Why We Still Have ‘Old’ Epidemics and ‘Endemics’ in Occupational Health: Policy and Practice Failures and Some Possible Solutions

Abstract

Following on from the previous analysis of perspectives on industrial injury causation, this chapter takes a closer look at the social processes influencing recognition of occupational disease epidemics. The limitations of traditional scientific approaches are explored and the notion that epidemics can be quantified and controlled through the straightforward application of scientific knowledge and tools is challenged. At the same time, the influence of power relationships and values on epidemiology is highlighted. The relative invisibility of occupational health epidemics and the low priority afforded to them are examined in relation to a number of factors including work and societal relations, workers’ organisation, compensation arrangements and the role and status of occupational health professionals in relation to other groups. There is clearly a need to address the lack of political will to eliminate occupational disease epidemics that has characterised this field for many years. This chapter lays the ground for future strategies, arguing that these need to incorporate emerging models of social and lay epidemiology.