[Information and occupational health surveillance systems]

A lack of information about the risks and damage that workers are exposed to, is one of the most pressing problems for those who administrate, professional and social workers, and one which constitutes an obstacle to the defining of effective Occupational Health policies and plans. An analysis is carried out of the existing data sources in Spain, and a description is provided of the resources available for preventing occupational hazards. It is concluded that, with the possibilities that are offered by the new framework of standards, it will be possible to implement an Occupational Health Information System which will allow for determining priorities and reaching the objectives that have been set. Applying the laws and using the resources that are available will be sufficient.