Introduction:Occupational exposure to hand-arm vibration generated by the use of powered hand tools is a major risk factor for workers' health, particularly when combined with high levels of occupational noise. Among these tools, angle grinders used by welders are recognized as important sources of both physical hazards. Objectives:To investigate the laterality of hand-arm vibration exposure among workers using 7-inch and 9-inch electric angle grinders by comparing vibration exposure between the control hand positioned on the rear handle and the supporting hand positioned on the front handle as well as to assess the intensity of occupational noise generated by these tools. Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted involving six welders from three companies representing different industrial sectors under real-world working conditions. Vibration and noise measurements were performed in accordance with the procedures established by Brazilian Occupational Hygiene Standard 10 and Brazilian Occupational Hygiene Standard 01, using the normalized resultant acceleration and A-weighted sound pressure levels expressed in dB(A). Results:Hand-arm vibration exposure showed an asymmetric pattern, with higher vibration levels consistently recorded at the rear handle (control hand), regardless of tool size or grinding disc type. In all samples, vibration levels exceeded the action value and, in some cases, surpassed the occupational exposure limit established by Brazilian legislation. Noise levels also exceeded the action value, with no evidence of lateral predominance. Conclusions:These findings highlight the importance of measuring vibration exposure in both hands and reveal gaps in the current regulatory framework regarding objective criteria for the simultaneous assessment of hand-arm vibration exposure.
Introduction:Occupational stress and psychosocial factors at work are recognized as triggers of psychological distress, musculoskeletal disorders, and decreased functional capacity in the contemporary workplace. Objectives:This study investigated effort-reward imbalance and common mental disorders among 372 firefighters working in Brazil. Methods:This was a cross-sectional study conducted with a sample of 372 firefighters using a log-binomial regression model. Results:The prevalence of common mental disorders was 9.7% in the total sample and reached 10.7% in the high-risk group (effort-reward imbalance ratio > 1). Log-binomial regression showed that the effort-reward imbalance model increased the explanatory power of mental distress to 12.1%. High effort was associated with an increased risk of common mental disorders (prevalence ratio = 2.21), whereas overcommitment had the greatest impact on prevalence (prevalence ratio = 2.41). Effort was also the main predictor of symptom severity (β = 0.443; p < 0.001). Conclusions:These findings indicate that effort-reward imbalance constitutes an important marker of psychosocial risk among firefighters. The population attributable fraction for overcommitment was 51.1%, indicating that more than half of common mental disorder cases may be attributed to this dimension. Thus, occupational demands and perceived recognition emerged as key determinants of mental health in this professional category. The study reinforces the need for mental health surveillance and promotion strategies that consider the specific characteristics of firefighters' military operational environment.
Introduction:Advanced technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI), have been progressively incorporated into clinical practice. However, their adoption in occupational medicine still faces specific challenges. Objectives:To analyze the perceptions of Brazilian occupational physicians regarding the use of technologies in their daily professional practice. Methods:Observational, cross-sectional, quantitative study. A structured questionnaire was administered to a non-probabilistic convenience sample based on voluntary participation, consisting of physicians invited by email and through the communication channels of the Brazilian National Association of Occupational Medicine from May to June 2025. Results:Of the 1,600 physicians invited, 260 responded to the questionnaire (90% confidence level; 4.69% margin of error) between May and June 2025. Participants identified epidemiological data analysis (78%) and the automation of reports and medical evaluations (67%) as the areas with the greatest potential for AI application. Conclusions:There is broad potential for the use of AI in occupational health, including leave management, identification of risk factors for chronic diseases, and health promotion. Its effective implementation will require professional training and capacity building.
Work-related hearing loss resulting from combined exposure to noise and ototoxic solvents remains underestimated in occupational prevention practices. Substances such as toluene, xylene, and styrene, which are widely present in industrial environments, potentiate auditory damage even at levels below the tolerance limits considered safe. By conditioning the implementation of the Hearing Conservation Program solely on the action level for isolated noise exposure, Brazilian legislation proves insufficient in addressing the complexity of contemporary occupational risks. This opinion article proposes a critical reflection on the current regulatory limits and advocates for the revision of occupational hearing health prevention policies. Integrated strategies are discussed, including the simultaneous monitoring of exposure to noise and ototoxic chemical agents, the revision of occupational exposure limits, the continuous training of professionals in the field, and the adoption of hierarchical control measures. Protecting workers' hearing health requires more comprehensive approaches capable of recognizing the interaction among different risk agents and promoting truly safe work environments.
The update of Regulatory Standard No. 1 issued by the Brazilian Ministry of Labor and Employment represents progress by formally recognizing psychosocial risks as an integral part of occupational risks. This change requires organizations to adopt new practices aimed at preventing illness through more comprehensive assessments of psychosocial risks present in the workplace. This study conducted an integrative review with the objective of analyzing how psychosocial risks have been addressed in the scientific literature related to hospital risk management. Nine articles published between 2019 and 2025 were included. Of these, five directly addressed psychosocial risks, although the hospital environment is recognized as a critical context regarding workers' mental suffering. Limitations were observed in the use of validated instruments for assessing these risks. The new wording of the standard may act as a catalyst for structural changes in risk management practices, promoting more integrated strategies that consider technical, subjective, and relational aspects of the work environment. It is concluded that, although psychosocial risks are recognized in the theoretical field, their practical incorporation into hospital institutions still occurs incipiently. Strengthening institutional policies and conducting future studies to evaluate the impacts of regulatory changes on the Brazilian hospital reality are recommended.
Introduction:Tuberculosis is an infectious disease of major public health concern. Although most studies focus on health care professionals, other economic sectors may also present conditions that favor transmission and illness. Objectives:To analyze the occurrence of work-related social security benefits granted for tuberculosis in Brazil and to review scientific evidence on economic activities and occupations associated with increased risk of infection, excluding health care professionals. Methods:This ecological study used publicly available data from the Brazilian National Institute of Social Security. Work-related temporary disability benefits (B91) granted from 2022 to 2024 and linked to codes A15 to A19 of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, were included. Results were described according to the number of benefits and the corresponding codes of the National Classification of Economic Activities. In parallel, a narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed and SciELO databases, including primary studies in Portuguese and English involving workers from different productive sectors. Results:A total of 115 B91 benefits due to tuberculosis were granted in 2022, 123 in 2023, and 65 in 2024. The literature identified increased tuberculosis risk among workers in cleaning, laundry, baking, construction, waste collection, sewage, textile manufacturing, and mining, associated with factors such as inadequate ventilation, silica exposure, unsanitary conditions, and social vulnerability. Conclusions:Work-related tuberculosis extends beyond the health care sector, affecting multiple productive sectors. Recognizing these exposures is essential to guide surveillance, inspection, and prevention measures aimed at reducing occupational tuberculosis.
Introduction:Physical activity may influence symptoms of depression and anxiety, especially among healthcare professionals exposed to high levels of occupational stress. Objectives:To investigate the association between physical activity levels and symptoms of depression and anxiety in professionals at a Brazilian university hospital, using analyses based on continuous scores. Methods:This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted with 199 professionals from medical, healthcare, and administrative areas. Habitual physical activity, depression symptoms, and anxiety symptoms were assessed using standardized questionnaires. The association between physical activity and symptoms was analyzed using generalized linear models, adjusted for sex, age, and body mass index, considering both overall and area-specific analyses. Results:The sample was predominantly female, from the healthcare area, and sedentary. Regarding categorical prevalence, 44.2% of professionals presented symptoms of depression and 54.2% symptoms of anxiety. In analyses based on continuous scores, individuals classified as active and very active had lower depression and anxiety scores compared to sedentary individuals. Stratification by area of work confirmed the inverse association, especially among medical and healthcare professionals. Conclusions:Higher levels of physical activity were significantly associated with lower symptoms of depression and anxiety among professionals at a Brazilian university hospital.
Introduction:While the nursing workforce is fundamental to providing safe and quality access to health care, turnover poses a challenge to its stability. Objectives:To identify the reasons nursing professionals working in emergency/urgent care units intend to leave or stay in their current position, institution, or the nursing profession, determining the differences and/or similarities among these reasons by location. Methods:This exploratory, descriptive field study included 118 nursing professionals working in urgent care/emergency departments in 2 states in Brazil. The participants reported why they intended to remain in their current position, institution, and profession, or why they intended to leave, and the frequency of each reason was recorded. Results:Organizational factors related and working conditions were often cited as reasons for leaving. The reasons for staying included affinity with the work and the profession, coworkers, salary, and job stability. The reasons for intending to leave or remain in the current position, institution, and profession were diverse and varied among themselves. There were common factors and differences between the groups. Conclusions:Many of the reasons for intending leave were modifiable. Strategies to promote employee retention should include analysis of local factors.
Workplace violence is associated with workers' mental health impairment. This study aimed to characterize the scientific production on workplace harassment and/or violence in the public sector and to synthesize the main available evidence. An integrative literature review was conducted, with a protocol registered on the Open Science Framework platform (https://osf.io/phq4z/). Searches were performed in the VHL, PubMed, and APA PsycInfo®. The search strategy included the descriptors "public sector," "harassment, non-sexual," and "workplace violence." Inclusion criteria were original articles published within the last 10 years, available in full text, written in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, whose study population included public sector workers and addressed workplace harassment and/or violence. After the selection process, 10 articles were included. Verbal violence showed a prevalence ranging from 19.4% to 63.5%, followed by physical violence, with rates between 9.8% and 16%, and sexual harassment, ranging from 9.1% to 12%. The public sector was approximately three times more affected compared with the private sector. Factors associated with increased susceptibility to workplace harassment and violence included being married, female sex, working as a physician or member of the nursing staff, night shift work, and professional practice in hospital emergency departments. Managerial support was identified as a protective factor. Repeated exposure to violent episodes was associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts and death by suicide. Public sector workers are significantly exposed to workplace harassment and violence. Greater attention from managers is recommended, along with strengthening public policies and educational programs aimed at implementing preventive measures and promoting healthier work environments.
Introduction:Sickness absenteeism impacts the healthcare workforce and may be related to job satisfaction and burnout. Objectives:To analyze the association between job satisfaction and burnout syndrome in a public university hospital. Methods:Cross-sectional study, carried out between January and February 2022. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Job Satisfaction S20/23, and the Burnout Characterization Scale were used for data collection. Secondary data were obtained through medical certificates. The descriptive and multivariate analysis of statistical data considered a significance level of 5%. Results:There was a statistically significant correlation between sickness absenteeism and job satisfaction, since the lower the satisfaction in hierarchical relationships (p = 0.001) and the lower the intrinsic job satisfaction (p = 0.000), the higher the sickness absenteeism, and the higher the job satisfaction, the lower the burnout (p < 0.05). Conclusions:It can be inferred that the greater the job satisfaction, the lower the burnout and the lower the absenteeism-illness.
Introduction:Occupational medicine is a broad specialty that plays a fundamental role in protecting the workers' health and well-being. Objectives:To analyze Brazilian occupational physicians' perspectives on their transition to retirement, addressing aspects such as financial planning, reasons for retirement, and intended post-retirement activities. Methods:A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 450 active occupational physicians in Brazil. An online questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample recruited through social media between July and August 2024. Results:Most physicians reported undertaking some form of financial planning for retirement; however, 72.00% did not consider themselves financially prepared. Furthermore, 64.40% planned to continue paid work after retirement, predominantly in consulting roles. Conclusions:These findings highlight the need for expanded financial education initiatives and structured support to support a healthy transition to retirement.
Introduction:Sex-related physiological responses to repetitive load-bearing work are of interest due to the limited available evidence and their relevance to occupational health. Objectives:To investigate potential sex-related differences in selected physiological and perceptual variables during the performance of a repetitive upper-extremity task. Methods:A non-probabilistic sample of 20 young adults (10 men and 10 women) was recruited. Participants, in a standing position, performed repetitive work cycles every 2 seconds using their dominant upper limb with the elbow flexed at 90° elbow flexion, while handling loads equivalent to 10%, 20%, and 30% of their maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Local muscle oxygenation was monitored at 0, 10, and 20 minutes in the finger flexors and elbow flexors. Peripheral oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and perceived exertion were also assessed. Results:No statistically significant differences were observed in muscle oxygen saturation; however, men showed slightly higher values. A significant sex difference in perceived exertion was identified only in the elbow flexors at 10% load at 10 minutes (p = 0.029). Blood pressure values were significantly higher in men, but only at minute 20 with the 10% and 20% loads. Conclusions:Physiological responses to repetitive work showed minimal sex-related differences. Local and global adaptations were similar, with only minor variations in perceived exertion. Future research should explore sex-related variability in samples representing the average working-age population and using alternative operational models.
Introduction:Characterizing sickness absenteeism is essential for understanding the health-disease process within the public sector. Objectives:To characterize the profile of sickness absence among civil servants during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods:This longitudinal, descriptive study used secondary data from sickness absence records obtained from both the Integrated Civil Servant Health Care Subsystem and the Federal University of Amapá, covering the period from 2019 to 2022. Absences were analyzed according to sex, age group, occupational category, and International Classification of Diseases group. Results:A total of 675 sickness absences were recorded, corresponding to 12,553 lost workdays, of which 444 were associated with an International Classification of Diseases code. The most frequent diagnostic groups were infectious and parasitic diseases (15.09%), mental and behavioral disorders (12.39%), and diseases of the digestive system (11.49%). Absences were more prevalent among women (68.15%) and among employees aged 30-39 years (36.59%). Administrative staff accounted for the highest proportion of absences (59.09%). Conclusions:The profile of sickness absenteeism differed from that observed in other public institutions. The findings underscore concerns regarding underreporting and highlight the need to improve institutional communication and to implement targeted strategies aimed at promoting workers' mental and oral health.
Introduction:Workplace violence is highly prevalent in Brazil and worldwide, making it a priority on the public health agenda. This condition hinders the performance of work activities and contributes to the physical and mental illness of workers. Objectives:To analyze the temporal trend of notifications of workplace violence in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Methods:This was a quantitative time-series study using secondary data. A total of 699 notifications between 2012 and 2022 were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Prais-Winsten regression trend analysis. Results:Most victims were female (53.6%), of mixed race/skin color (38.6%), and aged between 25 and 45 years (51.1%). Physical violence was present in most notifications (68%), mainly through physical force/beating (53.5%). The majority of perpetrators were male (66.5%), and most acts of violence were committed by a single perpetrator (65.4%). Conclusions:There is a need for public policies aimed at workplace violence in order to ensure a safe work environment, as well as to promote the prevention, protection, and recovery of workers.
Introduction:Physical activity performed in the occupational context is related to both physical health and workers' well-being. Understanding how sociodemographic factors influence this type of activity can support the development of strategies to promote health in the workplace. Objectives:To analyze the relationship between sociodemographic aspects and the practice of occupational physical activity among employees of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. Methods:This is an observational, cross-sectional study conducted with employees of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. Data were collected on age, sex, marital status, skin color, education level, and income, as well as on the frequency, intensity, and duration of occupational physical activity. Analyses included chi-square tests, analysis of variance, and Tukey's post hoc test to compare groups. Results:Higher participation in occupational physical activities was observed among men, as well as a higher average time spent on such tasks among workers with lower education and income levels. Older employees showed longer exposure to occupational physical activities. Differences related to skin color were also identified, indicating potential structural inequalities in the workplace. Conclusions:The results show that sociodemographic factors significantly influence participation in and intensity of occupational physical activity. Identifying groups more exposed to high physical demands can guide institutional policies aimed at promoting health, preventing occupational diseases, and improving working conditions, with a focus on equity and inclusion.
Introduction:In Brazil, accidents involving venomous animals represent a significant health problem, affecting particularly vulnerable populations. Objectives:To analyze the factors associated with work-related accidents involving venomous animals in Brazil between 2019 and 2023. Methods:A cross-sectional study using secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System, including sociodemographic variables, accident characteristics, and clinical manifestations. The analysis comprised absolute and relative frequencies, prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals, and robust Poisson regression for the multivariate model. Multicollinearity was assessed using the Variance Inflation Factor, and discriminatory ability was evaluated with the ROC curve. Results:Of the 1,442,464 reported cases of accidents involving venomous animals, 1,280,223 had valid data regarding work-relatedness; among these, 122,608 (9.58%) were classified as work-related. The mean age of victims was 36.5 years (SD = 21.0). Factors statistically associated with the outcome included: male sex (PR=2.66), black/brown race (PR=1.08), yellow/indigenous race (PR=1.24), illiteracy (PR=1.11), accidents involving snakes (PR=2.27), spiders (PR=1.19), and other animals (PR=1.18), as well as injuries to upper limbs (PR=1.23) and head (PR=1.12). The model showed an area under the ROC curve of 72.56% and a variance inflation factors average of 2.15, indicating good discriminatory capacity and absence of multicollinearity. Conclusions:Work-related accidents involving venomous animals predominantly affect vulnerable populations, reflecting social inequalities and gaps in worker health protection. The importance of preventive strategies expanded access to healthcare, and active surveillance in the territories-especially rural areas-is emphasized.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are occupational conditions that result from the excessive use of the musculoskeletal system, combined with insufficient time for physiological recovery. These disorders remain prevalent in the automotive industry, particularly on assembly lines, and directly impact workers' health and sector productivity. This study aimed to analyze recent scientific literature on work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the automotive industry. The analysis focused on research approaches, preventive practices, identified challenges, and future directions. The study covered the period from 2020 to 2025 and used a state-of-the-art literature review method. The literature was considered an interpretive and contextual field. Searches were conducted in the SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, and BVS databases using free-text and controlled terms combined with Boolean operators and adapted to the specificities of each database. Grey literature was included through Google Scholar. Study selection was conducted in successive stages: screening, full-text reading, and critical analysis guided by research questions. These stages followed predefined eligibility criteria. Of the 297 initial records, six studies met the established criteria. Repetitive movements, static postures, and production pace remain central determinants of the incidence and prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The findings underscore the importance of integrating technological development and innovation with the active involvement of workers to build safer, healthier, and more sustainable work environments. Promoting network-based research in which workers play a central role is key to advancing solutions that align with occupational health surveillance guidelines and contemporary workplace challenges.
Introduction:Given the increasing incidence of mental disorders among education professionals, examining the national scientific literature on the mental health of basic education teachers in Brazil has become essential. Objectives:To assess, through an integrative literature review, the psychosocial factors associated with teachers' mental health, with an emphasis on the prevalence of mental disorders. Methods:The search was conducted between August 2024 and January 2025 in SciELO, the CAPES Journal Portal, LILACS, and PubMed databases, using descriptors related to mental health, teachers, basic education, and Brazil, which were combined through Boolean operators AND and OR. Studies published between 2019 and 2024, available in full text in Portuguese or English, and specifically addressing the mental health of basic education teachers were included. The review was guided by the following question: what are the main risk factors that influence the mental health of basic education teachers in Brazil? Results:The analysis of 12 studies revealed a high prevalence of symptoms of anxiety, stress, and burnout syndrome among teachers. The most frequently reported psychosocial risk factors included work overload, low pay, poor working conditions, and exposure to school violence. Conclusions:Such psychosocial determinants significantly affect teachers' mental health, characterizing a public health and occupational concern. The findings highlight the need for intersectoral policies that support teaching valuation and promote adequate working conditions and safer and healthier school environments to preserve the mental health of basic education teachers.
