Steve Horvath and P.K. Abeytunga
Hola amigos and amigas from the 30th International Congress on Occupational Health in Mexico.
The agenda over the last few days has been hectic. Psychosocial issues have been a particularly significant topic of discussion from all areas of the world. Non-communicable diseases and integrating health care delivery with occupational health were also major topics of discussion.
I was asked to present the discussions and conclusions of a round table discussion on knowledge transfer and increasing the effectiveness of occupational health communication. It was a discussion I found fascinating because it defined in my mind the problem and galvanized the issues for me – although I do not believe all saw it from my perspective.
I noted in my presentation that while we discussed the merits and limitations of the Internet as a delivery vehicle, we were behaving a lot like the Web. Free flowing ideas going not only in two directions, but in a number of directions: creating a form of network of open dialogue.
Today’s workers are turning to the Internet for information, and it is incumbent on occupational health and safety professionals everywhere to reach out directly to workers and engage them in a dialogue about their needs. For the first time, the Internet and social media tools have allowed us to hear directly what the workforce needs. What they are looking for is information that is credible, understandable, relevant and unbiased. I believe the organizations that best tap into that resource will be the most effective in instilling change and creating healthy workplaces.
There are those that still see the professional’s role as evaluating data and collating it in a format that can be delivered through a network of other professionals. It is about building competencies in communities. At a local level it is an effective educational tool, but that is not where CCOHS will thrive. We must harness the global power of the Web and make a difference in workers’ lives wherever they may be.
Performance of Mayan music and folk dance
Last night our Mexican organizers hosted a cultural night. It began with a presentation by a local historian about the history of the Mayan civilization. That was followed by a performance of Mayan music and folk dance. A good time was had by all.