Condições de trabalho das pessoas imigrantes e seus efeitos na saúde : abordagem multimétodo

Introdução A recente e massiva chegada a Espanha de imigrantes económicos, principalmente desde a última década do século XX, acarretou uma mudança manifesta nos padrões sociodemográficos, na vida das escolas, nos bairros, nos centros de saúde, nos centros de emprego ; mas, sobretudo, significou uma mudança nas condições de vida das pessoas que empreenderam a aventura de abandonar o seu país. A procura de um futuro melhor através da integração no mercado laboral, é o principal impulso que est..

Comparación de las lesiones por accidente de trabajo en trabajadores extranjeros y españoles por actividad económica y comunidad autónoma (España, 2005)

Ana M. García ([email protected])Fundamento: Aunque el colectivo de personas inmigrantes en nuestro país se ha incrementado notablemente en los últimos años, poco se sabe de sus condiciones de trabajo y de los efectos de éstas en términos de lesiones por accidentes de trabajo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar, para el año 2005, la incidencia de lesiones mortales y no mortales de las personas extranjeras con las de las españolas por actividad económica y comunidad autónoma. Métodos: Los datos de lesiones por accidentes de trabajo (LAT) procedieron del Registro de Accidentes de Trabajo del Ministerio de Trabajo y Asuntos Sociales y los denominadores se obtuvieron de las estadísticas disponibles sobre afiliación a la Seguridad Social para el año 2005, seleccionándose en ambos casos los datos correspondientes a los afiliados al Régimen General de la seguridad social y al régimen de la Minería del Carbón. Se calculó la incidencia de lesiones mortales y no mortales por accidente de trabajo, así como el riesgo relativo (RR) y su intervalo de confianza al 95% (IC95%) para trabajadores extranjeros en comparación con los españoles por comunidad autónoma y actividad económica, tomando como referencia a los españoles. Resultados: El riesgo relativo de LAT en trabajadores extranjeros fue 1,34 (IC95% 1,11-1,62) para LAT mortales y 1,13 (IC95% 1,13-1,14) para LAT no mortales, registrándose importantes diferencias entre comunidades autónomas y sectores de actividad. Conclusiones: se confirma un mayor riesgo global de LAT entre los trabajadores extranjeros que puede ser mayor que el observado. Las diferencias de riesgo entre actividades económicas y comunidades autónomas requieren análisis más detallados. En comparación con los trabajadores españoles, el riesgo de LAT es más elevado para los extranjeros en las actividades industriales, mientras que resulta inferior en la construcción, el comercio y la hostelería. Por comunidades autónomas, Aragón y Cataluña muestran los riesgos más elevados para los trabajadores extranjeros.Background:While the immigrant collective in Spain has grown considerably in recent years, little is known about working conditions and their corresponding effects on occupational injury in this group. The objective of this study was to compare the incidences for both fatal and non-fatal injuries in foreign workers to that of Spanish workers in 2005, by autonomous community and economic activity. Methods: Injury data came from the accident registry of the ministry of labor and social issues, and denominators were taken from available social security affiliation statistics from general and coal mining social security system. Incidence indices for fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries for foreign and spanish workers were calculated. In addition, relative risks and their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated by autonomous community and economic activity, using spanish workers as the reference group Results: Overall, relative risk for occupational injury in foreign workers in 2005 was superior to base risk for both fatal (1.34; 95%CI: 1.11-1.62) and non-fatal injury (1.13; 95%CI: 1.13- 1.14), though there were important differences by autonomous community and activity sectors. Compared with Spanish workers, risk for occupational injury was higher for foreign workers in industrial activities, while it was lower in construction, commerce and restaurants and hotels. By autonomous community, Aragón and Catalonia showed the highest risks for foreign workers. Conclusions: A higher risk for occupational injury among foreign workers is confirmed, and may be higher than that observed. The differences in risk among economic activities and autonomous communities require more detailed analysis

Scoping Review About Working Conditions and Health of Immigrant Workers in Spain

Fundamentos: La relación entre inmigración, trabajo y salud constituye uno de los retos más importantes en salud laboral y más concretamente en España por el importante incremento de proporción inmigrante acontecido en el mercado laboral. El objetivo de esta investigación es conocer la relación entre las condiciones de trabajo y sus efectos en la salud de trabajadores inmigrantes en España. Métodos: Revisión bibliográfica de artículos científicos originales en español e inglés Medline y Medes (1998-2012). Se revisaron los textos completos de los artículos incluidos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 20 estudios, 13 con metodología de investigación cuantitativa y 7 cualitativa. Los temas tratados abordaban problemas específicos de salud relacionados con el trabajo (principalmente lesiones por accidente de trabajo), incapacidad laboral y diferencias en condiciones de trabajo y empleo. Los hallazgos de los estudios mostraron mayor incidencia de lesiones por accidentes de trabajo, menores tasas de incapacidad laboral, mayor prevalencia de presentismo laboral, exposición a factores psicosociales y precariedad laboral en la población inmigrante. Conclusiones: A pesar de la singularidad del proceso demográfico migratorio, los problemas de salud y determinantes identificados no difieren de los referenciados en otros países, en otros contextos y en otros momentos.Background:The relationship between immigration, work, and health is one of the most important challenges in occupational health at current, particularly in Spain, by the significant increase in the migrant workers in the labor market occurred. This investigation aims to know the relationship betwen working conditions and their effects on migrant workers. Methods: Scoping review of scientific papers on this topic at the Medline and Medes databases in Spanish and English (1998-2012). The articles included were full text reviewed. Results: 20 studies were included, 13 with quantitative methodology and 7 qualitative. The topics address specific health problems related to work (primarily occupational accidents), disability, and differences in working conditions and employment. The findings of the studies show a higher incidence of injury accidents, lower rates of disability, higher prevalence of work presenteeism, exposure to psychosocial factors, and precariousness. Conclusion: Despite the uniqueness of the demographic process migration happened in Spain, health problems and determinants identified no different from those referenced in other countries, in other contexts and in other times

Time and spatial filtering for echo reduction in antenna measurements

During the last years, new algorithms, based on time filtering, spatial or modal filtering, have been designed for echo reduction techniques applied to antenna measurements. These algorithms have been used for different applications where the effect of the echoes is important, as far field system, VHF or UHF applications, automotive systems, small antennas, etc. The authors, in previous papers, have analysed the effect of different algorithms: time filtering (fft, non uniform dft or matrix pencial), modal filtering based on Spherical modes (MV-Echo) and spatial filtering based on Integral Equations (Insight) and holographic techniques (fft and dft) to cancel the effect of the reflections. This comparison has been applied to the measurements of a dipole antenna (SD1900) using a StarLab system. It is observed that each of the algorithms is better for different situations, depending on the source of the echo. For instance, time filtering techniques are good for reflections coming from different distances with respect the direct ray, but not so good for close reflections. In addition hey need a large frequency band to work properly. Spatial algorithms can correct the effect of positioners or other structures close to the antenna under test, but they are better for planar near field acquisitions and worse for classical single probe spherical near field where the antenna is rotated and probe is fixed (e.g. roll-over-azimuths systems). Moreover, they require extra information of the AUT geometry. This paper presents first a comparison of each algorithm and then, a combination of time and spatial techniques based on uniform or non-uniform DFT to take advantage of the benefits of each algorithm for different origins of the reflections

La protección de la salud de los trabajadores en España : una oportunidad para la participación, la negociación y el consenso en el marco de las relaciones laborales

La Ley de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales en España (Ley 31/1995) abrió un espacio nuevo para la participación de los trabajadores en materia de prevención de riesgos laborales a través de los delegados de prevención, representantes de los trabajadores en esta materia, y de los Comités de Seguridad y Salud, obligatorios en las empresas con más de 50 trabajadores. La investigación internacional ha demostrado el impacto positivo de la participación de los trabajadores en la mejora de las condiciones de trabajo y en la reducción de los problemas de salud laboral en las empresas. En España contamos ya también con datos que permiten describir las actividades de participación en materia de prevención en las empresas, así como analizar su impacto en la protección de la salud y el bienestar de los trabajadores. El objetivo general de este trabajo es presentar y comentar la evidencia disponible sobre este tema.The Law of Prevention of Occupational Risks in Spain (Law 31/1995) opened a new space for the participation of workers in the field of occupational health through the so-called Prevention Delegates, workers’ representatives in this field, and the Safety and Health Committees, mandatory in companies with more than 50 workers. International research has demonstrated the positive impact of workers’ participation in working conditions and in workers’ occupational health. Nowadays, in Spain we have also data describing the activities of participation related to occupational health and safety in the companies, and their impact on the protection of workers’ wellbeing and health. The overall aim of this paper is to present and discuss the available evidence on this subject

Occupational health of immigrant workers in Spain (ITSAL Project): key informants survey

Objetivo: Caracterizar colectivos de inmigrantes trabajadores en España y conocer sus condiciones de salud laboral mediante informantes clave. Método: Estudio cualitativo exploratorio-descriptivo con entrevistas en profundidad realizado en 2006. Se identificaron organizaciones, asociaciones y colectivos relacionados con la población inmigrante en Alicante, Barcelona, Huelva, Madrid y Valencia, y se seleccionaron los más accesibles y representativos. Se entrevistó a 43 informantes clave procedentes de 34 asociaciones u organismos. Se realizó un análisis narrativo del contenido. Resultados: Se señalan dificultades para el reconocimiento de los daños a la salud derivados del trabajo por las situaciones de irregularidad y precariedad, por resistencia por parte de los contratadores o las entidades aseguradoras, y por desconocimiento de los inmigrantes. Los informantes coinciden en que los riesgos laborales en los inmigrantes no difieren de los riesgos de los trabajadores autóctonos en similares circunstancias, pero los inmigrantes padecerían exposiciones más frecuentes e intensas por el acceso mayoritario a puestos menos cualificados y por la necesidad de prolongar las jornadas de trabajo. También se destaca su desconocimiento general en relación con los derechos de protección y de salud en el trabajo, aunque algunos informantes detectan un crecimiento de su actividad reivindicativa a través de los sindicatos. Conclusiones: Este primer acercamiento ha permitido definir algunos condicionantes generales que influirán en la salud laboral de los inmigrantes. La información obtenida servirá de base para profundizar, mediante técnicas adicionales de carácter cualitativo y cuantitativo, en los problemas de salud laboral de los inmigrantes trabajadores en España dentro del marco del Proyecto Inmigración, Trabajo y Salud (ITSAL), actualmente en desarrollo.Objective: To describe the characteristics, working conditions, and occupational health situation of immigrant workers in Spain through key informants. Method: We performed a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study using indepth interviews carried out in 2006. Organizations and associations working with immigrant collectives in Alicante, Barcelona, Huelva, Madrid and Valencia were identified and the most representative and accessible entities in each location were selected. Fortythree interviews were performed with key informants from 34 different organisms. A narrative content analysis was performed. Results: Informants described difficulties in having health problems recognized as workrelated, due to irregular and precarious employment, employers' and insurance companies' reluctance, and immigrants' lack of knowledge. Informants coincided in reporting that the occupational risks for immigrant workers did not differ from those affecting Spanish workers in the same occupations and circumstances. However, exposure to occupational risks was exacerbated in immigrants because of their greater presence in unqualified jobs and their economic need to prolong working hours. Immigrants had little knowledge of their occupational health and safetyrelated rights, although some informants detected an increase in empowerment in this area, mostly through greater participation in trade unions. Conclusions: This first step allowed us to identify some of the general factors influencing the health and safety of immigrant workers in Spain. This information will be used in a longterm, ongoing research project [Project Immigration, Work and Health (Proyecto Inmigración, Trabajo y Salud [ITSAL]), which aims to evaluate occupational health problems in inmigrants working in Spain through both qualitative and quantitative methods

Perceptions of female immigrant domestic workers on the effects of the sector regulation in Spain

Objetivo: Explorar las percepciones de las mujeres inmigrantes trabajadoras del servicio doméstico sobre la puesta en vigor en España del Real Decreto 1620/2011, que regula la relación laboral del servicio del hogar familiar, y su efecto en sus condiciones de empleo. Métodos: Estudio exploratorio mediante análisis de contenido cualitativo. Se realizaron tres grupos de discusión con mujeres inmigrantes (colombianas, ecuatorianas y marroquíes). Resultados: A pesar de valorar positivamente los beneficios teóricos de la nueva normativa, las mujeres inmigrantes han identificado barreras legales y económicas para conseguir un contrato, ser dadas de alta en la seguridad social y que las personas empleadoras asuman su coste, en especial en el caso de las trabajadoras contratadas por horas. Estas dificultades influyen en la posibilidad de legalizar su situación. La confluencia con la crisis económica ha emergido como un problema que dificulta su cumplimiento. Conclusiones: Aunque el nuevo régimen ha favorecido la creación de puestos de trabajo con mayores derechos laborales en el sector, las mujeres inmigrantes perciben que su puesta en marcha en el actual contexto de crisis económica no ha contribuido a mejorar sus condiciones de empleo.Objective: To examine the perceptions of female immigrant domestic workers of the effect of Royal Decree 1620/2011, which regulates the relationship of domestic workers in the family home and their employment conditions in Spain. Methods: An exploratory study was performed using qualitative content analysis of three focus group discussions with immigrant women from Colombia, Ecuador and Morocco. Results: Immigrant women positively assessed the theoretical benefits of the new regulation, but identified legal and economic barriers to obtaining a contract and being registered in the social security system by their employers, and to employers accepting the cost of these measures, especially for workers hired by the hour. These difficulties affected their possibilities of legalizing their status. The economic crisis posed a serious challenge to compliance with the new regulation. Conclusions: Although the new regime encourages job creation with stronger working rights for these workers, immigrant women perceived that its implementation has been hampered by the current financial crisis and has not, therefore, improved their employment conditions.FIS (PI11/01192)

Combination of time and spatial filtering to improve echo reduction in antenna measurements

Different research groups have been working during the last years in different echo reduction techniques applied to antenna measurements, based on spatial, modal or time filtering. Some applications where these methods are usually employed are: outdoor systems, for HF or VHF frequency systems or for small measurement systems where the anechoic material is only placed in front of the AUT. This paper analyzes the measurements of a dipole antenna (SD1900) using a StarLab system and the application of the different algorithms. It is observed that each of the algorithms is better for different situations, depending for instance on the angular value of the pattern. Finally, a combination of different methods in a smart way improve the results of the post processing with respect each independent method

A qualitative study about immigrant workers’ perceptions of their working conditions in Spain

Background: Spain has recently become an inward migration country. Little is known about the occupational health of immigrant workers. This study aimed to explore the perceptions that immigrant workers in Spain had of their working conditions. Methods: Qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study. Criterion sampling. Data collected between September 2006 and May 2007 through semi-structured focus groups and individual interviews, with a topic guide. One hundred and fifty-eight immigrant workers (90 men/68 women) from Colombia (n = 21), Morocco (n = 39), sub-Saharan Africa (n = 29), Romania (n = 44) and Ecuador (n = 25), who were authorised (documented) or unauthorised (undocumented) residents in five medium to large cities in Spain. Results: Participants described poor working conditions, low pay and health hazards. Perception of hazards appeared to be related to gender and job sector. Informants were highly segregated into jobs by sex, however, so this issue will need further exploration. Undocumented workers described poorer conditions than documented workers, which they attributed to their documentation status. Documented participants also felt vulnerable because of their immigrant status. Informants believed that deficient language skills, non-transferability of their education and training and, most of all, their immigrant status and economic need left them with little choice but to work under poor conditions. Conclusions: The occupational health needs of immigrant workers must be addressed at the job level, while improving the enforcement of existing health and safety regulations. The roles that documentation status and economic need played in these informants’ work experiences should be considered and how these may influence health outcomes.Garcia Garcia, Ana Maria, [email protected]