Abstract

Workplace health is guaranteed by primary prevention, not by risk management. Primary prevention requires an activity of work analysis aimed at transforming work conditions in order to ensure the well-being of workers. Thus, knowledge about the possible, alternative work design conceptions is necessary in order to make the most adequate choices for prevention. Also, it is useful to reflect on the research traditions that pointed to such pathway, upon which the European directive 89/391 is based on. Such directive introduced obligations of primary prevention and work analysis for prevention. Knowledge and competencies for such purposes are available. However, national norms and practices appear to be inadequate, and require to be deeply transformed.