El trabajo informal como desafío de salud pública

Abstract

Informal work, as a public health challenge, emerges as an issue that remains largely invisible to many countries. It warrants attention not only from a public health perspective but also for its labor, economic, social, and cultural impacts—intersecting in such a way that ultimately generates a multiplier effect. Addressing this issue requires coordinated and articulated efforts aimed at preventing accidents in order to minimize the impact on the health and productive capacity of these workers. The range of injuries and illnesses among informal workers spans from musculoskeletal disorders and respiratory diseases caused by exposure to toxic materials or gases, to trauma, physical injuries, and even death. The lack of comprehensive documentation in Latin America regarding the economic and health impacts of informal workers poses a significant challenge to both public health and economic development. Tackling this issue demands the identification of the factors contributing to this invisibility, and the design of strategies to gradually transition toward formal employment. Developing advisory and educational programs—whether formal or informal—with innovative and resilient approaches that promote coordinated labor integration could significantly enhance the safety of socially and economically disadvantaged communities. This effort remains a formidable challenge for government agencies and institutions responsible for structuring protections for the safety and health of workers, whether in the formal or informal sectors.