Profile of work-related injuries reported in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, 2007-2009

OBJECTIVE:

to describe the epidemiological profile of notified work-related health problems in Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil, 2007-2009.

METHODS:

this was a descriptive study using Occupational Health Reference Center data kept on the Notifiable Diseases Information System.

RESULTS:

40.1% of the 167 municipalities notified occupational diseases, as follows: biological accidents (53.7%), serious accidents (38.4%), Musculoskeletal Disorders (3.1%), exogenous poisoning (2.6%), mental disorders (1.5%), pneumoconiosis (0.5%) and dermatoses (0.2%). The most affected were male workers (53.7%), people aged 25-44 (62.1%), those with middle school education (25.9%) and those having formal employment (23.9%). 32.0% of cases reported temporary incapacity.

CONCLUSION:

the profile and impact of occupational injuries and diseases in the State were revealed, as was the importance of consistent and timely data for their systematic monitoring and planning of Occupational Health actions.

Descriptive Epidemiology; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Accidents; Occupational Health