Analysis of labor accidents in Brazil, 2004-2007

Abstract

Current research synthesizes epidemiological data on morbo- mortality by labor accidents in the Brazilian population and gives a cross- section of these accidents in Brazil between 2004 and 2007. Current descrip- tive and exploratory analysis uses databases of thePublic Health Ministry on labor accidents. In fact, 465.700 and 653.090 labor accidents were notified respectively in 2004 and 2007, with a trend towardsan increase in number. The state of Santa Catarina was the area in which most accidents occurred, with an average of 577.3 accidents per 100.000 workers. Increase in labor acci- dents involving female remained constant, when statistics of past surveys are compared. Regardless of gender, most accidents occurred with workers within the 20 - 39 year bracket. Typical accidents are higher than cases with 83.8% of labor accidents in Brazil. When sectors of economicactivities are taken into consideration, accidents were preponderant in Services (50.1%), followed by the Transformation sector (36.4%). Accidents resulting in temporary incapac- ity for work reached 32.8%, whilst 2,800 workers died annually from labor accidents. Data show an urgent need for the permanent broadcasting of the above data so that public and private organizations involved in occupational health should take severe measures on the issue