Abstract

Chile is a developing country in a late stage of demographic and epidemiological transition. Income distribution is very unequal. Participation of women in the workforce is low. The services sector grew significantly in the past decade, implying new occupational health and safety challenges, while traditional risks have not yet disappeared. Unfortunately, there is scarce information regarding occupational exposures and significant underreporting of work-related health outcomes. Worker participation in determining employment conditions and in occupational health and safety is low, especially in micro-enterprises. Employment flexibility and working time flexibility are high, as are workloads and working hours. The national social insurance system for work-related injury and illness provides coverage to approximately 70% of the employed population. Women in agriculture, workers without insurance coverage, workers without a contract, migrant workers and working children are among the most vulnerable groups.