Last Friday, April 12, students from the Occupational Safety and Health Career joined the concentration organized by professionals from the sector on the grounds of the National Assembly. It was a peaceful demonstration that sought to exert a constructive influence on the legislative bodies of Panama.

The fundamental objective of the proposed law is the recognition of the profession of Technician and Graduate in Occupational Safety and Health, both in the public and private spheres. In addition, it regulates the practice and exercise of this profession, establishing the areas of competence and the corresponding salary levels.

This initiative seeks to give legal status to resolutions previously issued by the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development and the Social Security Fund, which already recognized the profession of Occupational Health Technicians.

According to this proposal, only those who have a university degree awarded by institutions recognized by the Panamanian State and the suitability issued by the Technical Health Council may be called Technicians or Graduates in Occupational Safety and Health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines occupational health as an activity aimed at promoting and protecting the health of workers, through the prevention and control of occupational diseases and accidents, as well as the creation of safe and healthy work environments.