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Why are occupational health challenges often greater in low- and middle-income countries?

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Asbestosis — occupational disease The lung disease asbestosis is caused primarily by prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers. It occurs mainly among workers whose occupations involve exposure to asbestos and people who live near mines, factories, and construction sites.

Occupational health challenges are often more severe in low- and middle-income countries due to a combination of systemic and health-related factors. While developed nations frequently utilize dedicated occupational health services separate from community care, these resources are less accessible in lower-income regions. In these settings, occupational health is often most effective when integrated directly into primary health care delivery.1

Furthermore, the impact of workplace hazards is frequently compounded by broader public health issues. Workers in these regions may already face significant health burdens, including malnutrition and a high prevalence of infectious disease, which exacerbate the effects of occupational exposures. Additionally, these countries may rely on equipment or machinery that would be considered obsolete in the developed world, increasing the risk of injury and disease for the workforce.12

It is a fundamental ethical imperative to ensure that all workers, regardless of their country's economic status, are protected from preventable harm and provided with the necessary resources to maintain their physical and mental well-being.1