There are many situations that involve health risks to the Brazilian rural worker, and animal production is just one of them. Inhalation of organic dust, which has many microorganisms, leads in general to respiratory allergic reactions in some individuals, "asthma-like syndrome", and mucous membrane inflammation syndrome, that is a complex of nasal, eye, and throat complaints. Furthermore, workers might have farmer's hypersensitivity pneumonia, that is a respiratory health risk along the years. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential pulmonary health risks in poultry production workers in the region of Curitiba, PR, Brazil. Interviews using a pre-elaborated questionnaire with 40 questions were made with 37 broiler production workers, which were submitted to a pulmonary function test. Results of restrictive function with lower FEV1 (the maximum respiratory potential, the forced expiratory volume in the first second of exhalation) and FVC (forced vital capacity) represented 24.32% of the total of workers, and severe obstruction represented 2.70%. Other symptoms were found in 67.57% of the workers as well. The results showed that those who work more than 4 years and within more than one poultry house, exceeding 5 hours per day of work, presented higher pulmonary health risks. It is concluded that the activities within broiler houses may induce allergic respiratory reaction in workers. The use of IPE (individual protection equipment) besides special attention to the air quality inside the housing may be advised in a preventive way.
RESUMO O estudou objetivou investigar os percursos terapêuticos de trabalhadores em situação de afastamento do trabalho por Lesões por Esforços Repetitivos/Distúrbios Osteomusculares Relacionados ao Trabalho (LER/Dort) atendidos em um serviço de saúde. Ocorreu análise de prontuários clínicos e seleção de sujeitos para entrevistas semiestruturadas, que foram gravadas para análise de conteúdo temática. Participaram das entrevistas dez trabalhadores, de ambos os gêneros e diferentes profissões. Os sujeitos passaram por condutas clínicas embasadas no modelo biomédico, pelo desamparo da empresa e do Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS), gerando sofrimento. Concluiu-se que ainda há necessidade de melhorias nas ações intersetoriais e interdisciplinares em casos de doenças crônicas e no modelo integral de saúde.
22 October 2024 in WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation
Background: Musculoskeletal pain is common in office workers and teleworkers, but the causes remain not enough visible in society. Objective: This systematic review examines main risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD) in office workers versus teleworkers. Methods: PubMed/ Medline, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched using keywords based on the theme, CoCoPop was used to define the inclusion criteria, also used the PRISMA guidelines, the QuADs tools to evaluate the quality of the studies, risk of bias analyses was done with the Navigation Guide for Systematic Reviews in environment and occupational health. Results: Of 468 studies identified, 17 were included in the final selection. Both office workers and teleworkers have working conditions at risk of developing or aggravating MSD, but results highlighted the poor teleworkers workplaces, ICT equipment's as laptops, psychosocial and organizational demands that increased the working time and family conflicts, and environmental risk factors associated to teleworkers increased WRMSD symptoms/pain. Conclusions: This review underline the lack of appropriate working conditions at home and that is a contribute for increasing WRMSD pain in teleworkers. Employers should give more importance ensuring ergonomic workplace at teleworkers home, including also worker's organizational companies support.
This article presents the results of a research that aimed to understand the relationship between aspects of the work organization and the health of nutrition workers affected by RSI/WRMSD. Throughout the process, absenteeism statistics related to RSI/WRMSD were obtained from a Public Hospital in Porto Alegre/RS, from 06/01/2015 to 06/30/2016, and a section of such hospital was selected for further study. We selected the Food Distribution Section and its nutrition attendants for the research. A structured questionnaire with sociodemographic and professional data and the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) were used to investigate the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD), and collective interviews were conducted with attendants affected by RSI/WRMSD, using the theoretical reference of the Work Psychodynamics. Results obtained pointed to ways of organizing and managing work which included excessive pressure, moral harassment, and lack of recognition, generating suffering and influencing the processes of illness. A space for listening and discussing work issues is suggested, with meetings involving all workers, nutrition technicians, and the coordination, which may characterize a permanent action.
(1) Background: The meatpacking industry in Brazil is vital for economic growth. It poses significant occupational health risks, particularly Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). The present study analyzes the profile of slaughterhouse workers based on the governmental notification database. (2) Methods: The socio-demographic dataset (n = 820) was filled with worker data, and health profiles reported Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) and WMSDs from 2007 to 2019, available online by the Brazilian Health Service. The dataset was analyzed to identify patterns of injuries and contributing factors. Descriptive statistics outlined worker characteristics, while Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) explored associations between variables. (3) Results: The results revealed that 51.34% of workers were male, with most aged 30–45. Repetitive movements were reported by 89.63% of respondents, while 78.90% worked shifts exceeding six hours. Soft tissue disorders were the most prevalent diagnosis (40.97%). The majority (53.17%) experienced temporary disabilities, and 5.73% had permanent impairments. Key risk factors included inadequate breaks, stressful environments, and limited ergonomic adaptations. This study highlights the critical need for preventative measures, such as ergonomic interventions, adequate rest breaks, and employee education, to mitigate WMSDs. Future research should include ergonomic evaluations and consider broader organizational variables to enhance slaughterhouse occupational health and safety. Addressing these challenges is essential for improving worker welfare and maintaining industry productivity.