Humanity and Work: Berenice Isabel Ferrari Goelzer at TEDxLacador

'Occupational diseases constitute a "silent epidemics" that incapacitates and kills workers every day around the world, as a result of exposure to agents, such as chemicals, dusts, noise, heat, radiation, microorganisms, as well as ergonomic and psychossocial factors. Work should not destroy but fulfill and dignify the human being. The individual suffering, incapacity or death of a worker affects many lives. Moreover, effluents, residues, waste and products from workplaces may also impact negatively on the environment (air, water and soil pollution) and nature (plants, animals), on communities (near and far) and also on consumers' health. The associated economic losses are tremendous. Therefore, preventive actions in the work environment are more important than usually believed. We need new technologies, but these should be assessed on time and the eventual negative impacts, prevented. Work, health and quality of life, environment and natural resources, are all connected. Their protection is a must, and requires not only knowledge but also responsibility, commitment and humanity.

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