Epidemiological Survey of Occupational Accidents: A Case Study in the Flour and Animal Feed Business

Abstract

Occupational accidents constitute a serious problem that can affect different organizational environments, ergonomic and safety-oriented actions can minimize risk factors. The objective of this study is to carry out an epidemiological-logical survey of occupational accidents at a company in the flour and animal feed segment, located in a small city, in the northern portion of Rio Grande do Sul. The research was characterized as a case study, exploratory and quantitative approach, developed through bibliographic and documentary analysis. The analysis occurred from January 2010 until September 2017, considering the cases of work accidents based on the following variables: number of accidents, gender, age, type of accident, function performed by the injured employee, days of absence, costs per accident, places of highest incidence of accidents in the company, part of the body affected in the work accident. The results showed the occurrence of 28 work accidents in the period, being 89% typical and most occurring in 2012 (29%). The highest incidence is between employees from 26 to 45 years old, mainly in the functions of full and junior machine operator, being traumas that affect the hands the main occurrence (48%). It was verified that 36% of the accidents let the employee away from his duty from a period between10 and 15 days, generating the direct cost of U$ 12,355.00 for the company in the period. The conclusion is that epidemiological surveys of occupational accidents can generate useful information for companies, enabling the development of ergonomic interventions capable of improving occupational safety, preventing new accidents, which can positively reflect the productive process, as well as reduce costs and improve health and quality of life in the workplace.