[Mutual aid societies for industrial accidents and occupational diseases in the social security service within the framework of the Prevention of Occupational Risk Act].
BACKGROUND
The passing of the Prevention of Industrial Risks Act, in force from 9 February 1996 has altered previous ideas on the subject, which is currently considered to be of utmost importance for national and community legislation.


METHODS
In this article we describe the preventive functions of the Mutual Aid Societies for Industrial Accidents and professional diseases of the National Health Service. We have analysed the current legislation so as to clarify the activities of the Mutual Aid Societies in the field of the prevention of industrial accidents, and have defined the actions which may be taken in this field according to the present laws. Two different types of preventive activities are considered: (1) Those which depend on contributions, included in the professional risks cover, and which are obliged to prepare an annual plan of the measures taken to prevent industrial accidents and professional illness, following the guidelines established by the Ministry of Labor and Social Services and according to certain priorities. (2) The functions corresponding to the services for third-party prevention exclusively for their associated companies when the Mutual Aid Society is approved as a service for third party cover. This requires a voluntary or professional contract and the financial cost is borne by the company which requests it.


CONCLUSIONS
The objective of the current legislation is, amongst other things, to introduce the new preventive approach established by the Prevention of Industrial Risks Act in the workplace and through the Mutual Aid Societies as well as to foment a new culture of prevention.
Albalá-Ortiz
M
M
Asociación de Mutuas de Accidentes de Trabajo y Enfermedades Profesionales de la Seguridad Social, Zaragoza, España.
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D009938:Organizations / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*