Since 2012, more than 25,000 worker deaths have been reported.
The survey conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Observatory indicates that, since 2012, nearly 7 million worker accidents and more than 25,000 fatalities have been reported to the INSS. The data is nationwide, referring only to formal employees.
The sectors with the highest numbers of accident reports are: hospital activities; retail trade—mainly in the food sector, such as supermarkets and hypermarkets; public administration; road freight transport; and building construction.
In Sorocaba, the number of accidents reported by the Occupational Health Reference Center (Cerest) from January through October 2022 was 880 cases. This figure is 27% higher than the number recorded throughout 2021. Of the total, 340 cases were classified as minor and 132 as serious.
For Rodrigo Soravassi, Occupational Safety Engineer at Trabt – Occupational Medicine and Safety, in addition to the resumption of in-person activities, the increase in records is related to the eSocial system. “Many organizations that did not report work-related accidents in the old system, due to a lack of knowledge, began providing this information through the Federal Government's system, which brought to light the mandatory compliance with labor and social security legislation, as well as the reporting of event S2210 – Work Accident Communication (CAT).”.
The situation impacts public funds. The Observatory found that spending on work-related injury leaves since 2012 has already exceeded 135 billion reais. “In this scenario, there is a need to train professionals, especially newly hired ones who have little or no experience in the field,” the expert adds.
Investment in prevention
In 2003, April 28 was established as World Day for Safety and Health at Work by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The date refers to April 28, 1969, when an explosion killed 78 workers in a mine in the state of Virginia, in the United States, and was chosen in memory of the victims of work-related accidents and illnesses.
Prevention is the most appropriate way to care for workers“ health. ”Accidents occur due to organizations' deviations and negligence regarding compliance with labor legislation, especially Regulatory Standards, which establish minimum requirements related to occupational safety and health," Rodrigo points out.
The specialist emphasizes the importance of a safety culture within organizations. “Senior management must be aligned with the commitment to maintain a safe and healthy environment for its employees.
Among the practices are the Risk Management Program (PGR) and also worker health monitoring through the Occupational Health Medical Control Program (PCMSO).
Responsibility
With the procedures defined, it is up to the employer to comply with the laws and regulatory standards regarding occupational health and safety, and also to demand compliance not only by workers, but also by everyone who remains in their establishment, whether they are service providers or visitors.
“It is also essential that workers feel encouraged to participate proactively in ensuring safe and healthy environments, for example, by communicating situations that pose a risk to themselves or others to their superiors, and by stopping their activities when noticing a grave and imminent risk to their life and health,” concludes Soravassi.
SOURCE:
CIPA & FIRE MAGAZINE
