Coronavirus disease 2019 in the occupational settings

Abstract

Purpose of review Within the framework of a scientific scenario dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, this work aims to briefly review the latest evidence concerning the selected impact and management of COVID-19 on the working populations in order to identify possible future research and development areas on specific topics. Recent findings The main selected theme covered by the review of the current scientific literature were Healthcare settings, Vulnerable workers, ’Post Covid-19 condition’ and vaccine effectiveness. Summary Current scientific evidence highlights the need to reassess the occupational risks, considering not only the new circumstances of virus spread and COVID-19 occurrence but also the effectiveness of preventive measures as well as the appraisal of the new medical conditions and susceptibilities that the pandemic has brought to light, such as the post-COVID-19 condition. These challenges should be tackled by occupational physicians, in particular, those who have the skills to develop tailored health surveillance and elaborate procedures adequate to protect vulnerable workers and their fitness for work while encouraging a safe return to work. These specialists need the support of high-quality, targeted scientific research, generated by field studies.