Núm. 15, enero-junio (2009)

The purpose of this article is to comprehend occupational health focusing on its origin, evolution, importance and interrelation with other specialized areas. Labor has been fundamental ever since the appearance of mankind on earth. This is why a healthy and safe work environment is of utter importance. Occupational health is related to other disciplines such as medicine, nursing, engineering, sociology, ergonomics, psychology, etc. It may thus be defined as an interrelated discipline in charge of fostering and maintaining total physical, mental and social wellbeing of working people, not only the absence or prevention of sickness. The many interconnected concepts involved in occupational health require a general vision and knowledge so as to understand its importance; in order to achieve this goal this article explores the origin, evolution, institutionalization of occupational health, as well as an holistic approach to its complete description.