30 years of Argentina's work risk system: Focusing on prevention and repair

Argentina's system for work-related risks, now 30 years old, was created to replace a fragmented and unpredictable framework with a comprehensive network for prevention, medical assistance, and rehabilitation. Previously, workers faced partial responses from social security, public hospitals, or lengthy, uncertain legal battles. The system shifted the paradigm from conflict to immediate provision of care, moving from uncertainty to predictability and from delayed or nonexistent compensation to effective, timely prevention and attention.

Numbers highlight the system's reach and impact. It currently covers over 10.1 million workers and nearly 1 million employers. In 2025, it handled 536,000 accidents, including those occurring during commutes. A network of medical care, diagnostics, rehabilitation, financial benefits, and lifelong follow-up is available as needed. Over three decades, the system has reportedly saved 20,000 lives and prevented 5.1 million accidents through its preventive measures, providing more than 14 million assistance benefits annually.

Beyond addressing incidents, the system's value lies in its preventive capacity. Prevention has evolved from a slogan to a measurable practice, directly contributing to saving lives, avoiding disabilities, and enhancing well-being and productivity. Comprehensive coverage extends beyond mere financial compensation to include medical care, rehabilitation, income support, and professional retraining. The Argentine model uniquely combines broad coverage with integrated medical assistance, financial benefits, and vocational qualification.

The system's main challenge today is excessive litigation. While legitimate claims require attention, the focus must be on distinguishing them from spurious disputes that transform conflict into unnecessary legal battles. Funds spent on avoidable litigation, fees, and unjustified compensation are resources diverted from prevention, assistance, innovation, or cost reductions that could foster more and better employment. The goal is to ensure compensation is delivered more effectively and rapidly, with consistent technical criteria. Strengthening medical commissions and forensic medical bodies is crucial for enhancing the technical quality, uniformity, and independence of decisions.