New challenges

Solutions to achieve efficient and comprehensive coverage of occupational accidents and diseases have to be dynamic, as

the risks are changing due to

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  new technologies
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  new possibilities in risk prevention
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  new possibilities in occupational medicine, medical rehabilitation

the economy is changing due to

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  global competition
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  restricted influence of national governments on economic developments
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  shifts from the dominance of the producing sector to the service sector

the workplace is changing due to

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  the growth of non-standard work (part-time, temporary and casual work)
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  the growth of work at non-traditional work sites
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  the growth of self-employment
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  new technologies leading to a decrease in manual work

the workforce is changing due to

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  the generally improved level of education
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  greater participation by women
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  the ageing of the workforce (longer life expectancy, lower birth rates)

There is a clear need to systematically look for solutions, regardless of whether the workers' compensation system allows private participation or if purely state run, in order to make systems sustainable while guaranteeing fair and just compensation for victims of an occupational accident or disease.