Occupational accident analysis in the commercial sector in the city of Belo Horizonte

Abstract

Considering the changes in the production process and in the epidemiological profile of the working population over the centuries, it became necessary an updated research on workers' health and on accidents at work. During the 90's Brazil's tertiary sector growth changed the country's employment structure. The increase in the sector's employment offer, especially in the Brazilian state capitals, made it necessary to identify current employment characteristics that influence the morbidity among workers. This study aims to describe work-related accidents occurred in the commercial sector in the city of Belo Horizonte, and to identify its epidemiological characteristics in the period between 2004 and 2008. Data were collected from the Information System on Occupational Accidents (in Portuguese, SIAT / SUS) of the Occupational Health Administration of the Municipal Health Department. The sample consisted of 6942 work accidents in which 62.6% men, aged 20 to 29 years old (81.1%), were the most affected.The typical accident was the most frequent (84.1%) and the replenishment position (10.8%) the most representative. Most accidents happened in the south centre health district (30.5%) and John XXIII Hospital attended most cases (66.8%). The most common cause of work related accidents were falls, electrical incidents, trips or slips (22.1%). The study's findings helped to promote the establishment of a series of preventive measures and public policies specific for people working in that economic sector