All of us who work spend a third of our time at our workplace, which plays an essential role in our lives. Good working conditions can provide protection and opportunities for personal development, as well as protection against physical and psychosocial hazards, thereby improving the social conditions and self-esteem of workers and producing positive health effects.

Health hazards in the workplace, including heat, noise, dust, machinery, and stress, cause occupational diseases that can aggravate other health problems. Conditions of employment, occupation, and position in the workplace hierarchy also affect health.

Article 4 of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States establishes the right to health, in which the State acquires the obligation to provide the necessary services to protect the health of Mexican citizens, on the bases established by law.

Article 475 Bis of the Federal Labor Law establishes that “The employer is responsible for safety and hygiene and the prevention of risks at work, by the provisions of this Law, its regulations and the applicable official Mexican standards”; in other words, medical attention for the worker and his family is an obligation of the employer.

The Federal Regulations on Occupational Safety and Health refer to the following obligations of the employer related to health prevention: to have an Occupational Safety and Health Diagnosis, to integrate the Occupational Safety and Health program, based on the diagnosis, and to guarantee the provision of preventive services.

For this reason, employers, workers, and unions must strive to improve health and safety conditions where workplace hazards are controlled; workers and employers are aware of health and safety hazards in the workplace; there is a safety and hygiene commission; and efforts to improve worker health and safety are ongoing.

The existence of health and safety programs in the workplace can help save workers’ lives by reducing risks and their consequences. Health and safety programs also have a positive impact on worker morale and productivity, with significant benefits. At the same time, implementing effective programs can save employers a lot of money.

At Veggies from Mexico, according to the audit program, internal evaluations are conducted on occupational health and safety issues, access to first aid kits in each work area, and medical care for workers and their families.