The issue of mental health in occupational health surveillance

Abstract

This paper addresses the issue of mental health in the Occupational Health Surveillance (VISAT) context. It seeks to present theoretical aspects and institutional policies contributing to the incorporation of mental health dimensions into the VISAT process, in view of the pressing need to attend to this demand that is becoming increasingly important in the occupational health area, especially within the scope of the National Comprehensive Occupational Healthcare Network (RENAST). Some theoretical approaches and practical experiences in mental health and work are systematically presented and discussed in this essay. A survey is also conducted of potential strategies to integrate mental health into VISAT actions. It is our view that the origins of illnesses and ensuing harm are closely linked to the elements involved in work organization and management. Consequently, surveillance practices should include and identify generating components of these negative aspects. The diversity of illnesses caused by work processes and conditions calls for major investment to ascertain and change the situations that give rise to such illnesses.

Trabalho de alta exigência entre professores:associações com fatores ocupacionais conforme o apoio social

“…This result is relevant to the discussion in a recent study that sought to present theoretical and institutional policy aspects that would contribute to the incorporation of mental health dimensions into worker health monitoring processes. According to Leão and Gomez 35 , suffering can be caused by interpersonal relationships established in the workplace, through abusive behavior, psychological and symbolic violence, and unequal power relations and disciplinary mechanisms, among other things. In this sense, social support among workers is extremely important in that it can facilitate a better performance of work tasks and contribute to building a healthy working environment 35 .…”

Estudos de Saúde Mental publicados nos últimos 25 anos na Revista Ciência & Saúde Coletiva

“…Some papers addressed Mental Health work within socio-environmental disasters 177,178 , work on social determinants of Mental Health in the favelas 159 , the provision of Mental Health services for supplementary health 179 , religiosity and Mental Health 180 ; penal system and Mental Health 32 , surveillance of occupational health and Mental Health 181 , and social representation of the community therapist in the SUS 182 . Mental Health work in disasters is discussed again 183 from 2016 to 2020.…”

A Concise Occupational Mental Health Screening Tool for South African Workplaces

“…Secondly, mental health difficulties affect workplace safety (e.g., by increasing the risk of accidents/injuries). As it is incumbent on employers to manage these bi-directional concerns, regular mental health screening may serve as a vehicle to support this ( Harnois and Gabriel, 2002 ; Leão and Gomez, 2014 ; Neto et al, 2019 ).…”