Saúde ocupacional dos coveiros no litoral piauense

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational diseases are health conditions that are directly related to the activities performed in the work environment. Among the professional categories that are constantly exposed to various occupational risks are gravediggers, who often work in precarious conditions, which puts them in unfavorable situations in terms of occupational health. This scenario can contribute to the increase in the incidence of work-related illnesses, absence from work and early retirement. Objective: to analyze the occupational health of gravediggers on the coast of Piauí. Methodology: this is a research with a mixed approach, which took place in the coastal cities of Piauí: Buriti dos Lopes, Cajueiro da Praia, Ilha Grande, Parnaíba, Luís Correia and Ilha Grande. The study population was the gravediggers working in these cities. For the quantitative analysis, the descriptive research technique was used. As for the qualitative model, the ethnographic research technique was used. To present the results, the data were organized in Microsoft Excel 2021 spreadsheets with the help of Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software version 21.0. Results: There was a predominance of males (100%), in the majority age group of 50 years or older (40%), with elementary school education, self-declared mixed race, married and earning a minimum wage. Regarding the form of hiring, in 80% of cases, professionals with outsourced and commissioned contracts predominated. Most professionals did not receive training in the use of Protective Equipment at work. Gravediggers face work overload, with constant physical pain after activities, due to intense physical effort and adverse working conditions. The precariousness of work shows the urgent need for improvements in working conditions, in accordance with the standards of the Ministry of Labor and Employment, to guarantee the protection and health of gravediggers, who face high risks, such as contamination and musculoskeletal injuries. Conclusion: gravediggers experience critical health issues. The lack of training and qualifications, combined with a shortage of material resources and protective equipment, were found. There is an urgent need for structural changes in working conditions. To this end, it is crucial that the government gets involved in the process of valuing this professional category, guaranteeing health, safety and training policies in order to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of these workers. Keywords: Funeral Service; Occupational Health; Occupational Risks.