Overview of worker health in primary health care: strategies for accident prevention

Abstract

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), approximately 2.3 million work-related deaths occur annually worldwide, including over 300,000 resulting from accidents and 2 million from occupational diseases. It is estimated that the costs of occupational accidents and diseases account for 4% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In Brazil, these costs reach BRL 71 billion per year, representing nearly 9% of the country's payroll. Given the severity of the issue, this study aimed to analyze the panorama of workers' health in Primary Health Care (PHC) in Brazil, considering historical aspects, current public policies, challenges faced, and strategies for accident prevention. The results of this study highlight the central role of work as a social determinant of health, capable of directly impacting the quality of life of workers, varying in form and degree depending on existing labor conditions. Despite advancements such as the implementation of the PNSTT and RENAST, the effectiveness of public policies still faces challenges, particularly within PHC, due to structural precariousness, fragmented services, and limited integration with the CEREST. Preventive strategies, such as mapping productive activities, early identification of risks and occupational diseases, workplace visits, and educational actions, were identified as fundamental for promoting workers' health. However, the operationalization of these strategies requires greater coordination between services, technical training for teams, and the strengthening of surveillance and prevention policies.