Epidemiological Profile of Fatal Work Accidents Reported in the State of São Paulo Between 2009 and 2020: An Observational Study

Authors: Anzai A , Migueis GI , Sekiya FS , Silva-Junior JS , Muniz de Andrade R , Galego Miziara CSM and Miziara ID

DOI: 10.23880/ijfsc-16000455

Volume 11, Issue 1

Abstract

Introduction: Brazil, the world's fourth-largest country, is also a significant contributor to workplace accidents. Some estimates calculate that in Brazil, there is an average of one workplace accident every 49 seconds. Days of absence affect the social security system, leading to high costs for accident benefits. Understanding the epidemiological profile of fatal workplace accidents is crucial to ensure the accuracy and reliability of research and the effectiveness of public health policies regarding workplace safety. Objective: This study aimed to describe the profile of fatal work accidents reported in the State of São Paulo. Methods: To achieve this, an ecological, quantitative, and descriptive epidemiological study was conducted. The study was based on information from the Notifiable Injuries Information System (SINAN) database provided by the State Department of Health of the São Paulo Government. The analysis included information on fatal work accidents that occurred in the State of São Paulo between 2009 and 2020. We used quantitative and descriptive statistics to analyze the data, and the variables analyzed were sex and age of the victims. Results and Discussion: The total number of fatal work accidents reported in São Paulo from 2009 to 2020 was 4,741. Between 2009 and 2011, deadly accidents increased, followed by a subsequent decrease until 2016. A new increase occurred in 2017, followed by a progressive reduction until 2020. Regarding sociodemographic data, 93.0% of the participants were male. Approximately 1 in 4 were between 30 and 39 years old, with the occupation of bricklayer being the one that contributed most to fatal accidents (9.24%). Regarding ethnicity, most injured workers were caucasian (69.1%). Most had completed elementary school (50%) and were formal workers (65.5%). In the accident profile, 28.1% had head injuries, and whole-body injuries appeared at 27.9%. Conclusion: This study reveals that the epidemiological profile of fatal work accidents underscores the importance of understanding and addressing this issue. In our series, the involvement of white men under 40 years of age with complete elementary education, bricklayers, and formal workers in accidents caused by various types of traumas mainly affecting the head and entire body was prevalent. These findings are crucial for planning and implementing measures to enhance worker safety and health, as most work-related accidents are not fortuitous and casual but are somewhat predictable and preventable

Keywords: Work accidents; Notifiable Injuries Information System; Causes of Death

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