Relações de saúde e trabalho em assentamento rural do MST na região de fronteira Brasil-Paraguai

Abstract

Resumo Com o presente artigo, busca-se relatar e analisar as relações entre saúde e trabalho de pequenos produtores rurais do Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST). Quanto à metodologia, adotou-se o aporte da investigação participativa e as bases da educação popular. O estudo realizado tornou possível uma compreensão de saúde e de trabalho mediante as narrativas dos trabalhadores e histórias relativas às lutas coletivas contra a exclusão e a violência no campo. Constataram-se importantes aspectos próprios a esse grupo populacional, como o sentido de conquista da propriedade da terra, os conflitos advindos da 'militância' e as diferenças de gênero e geração. Com base nos relatos, analisaram-se também os acidentes e os riscos relacionados à atividade de trabalho no assentamento rural, principalmente a exposição ao agrotóxico. Confirmaram-se, ainda, a solidariedade e a cooperação como valores importantes e como base de novas relações, um modo distinto de organização social coletiva do trabalho. Palavras-chave saúde; trabalhador rural; MST; assentamento rural; agrotóxicos.Abstract In this article, we aim to report on and analyze the relationship between health and work of small farmers of the Landless Workers Movement (MST). So far as the methodology is concerned, we used participatory research and the basics of popular education. The study allowed for an understanding of health and work based on the workers' narratives, stories relating to collective struggles against exclusion and violence in the countryside. Important aspects related to this population group as were discovered, such as, for example, the sense of conquest of land ownership, the conflicts arising from 'activism,' and the differences of gender and generations. From the reports that were provided, we also examined the accidents and risks related to work in the rural settlement, particularly exposure to pesticides. It was also found that solidarity and cooperation are important values, basic elements for new relations and a distinctive mode of social organization of collective.

Absenteísmo-doença entre trabalhadores de uma empresa florestal no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil

“…Tendo em vista esse crescimento, cabe destacar que a melhoria das condições de saúde dos trabalhadores do campo e a minimização dos impactos ambientais gerados pelos diversos processos produtivos no setor, depende, dentre outros, do reconhecimento e valorização dos condicionantes sociais, culturais e econômicos do processo produtivo agrário (FONTOURA JUNIOR et al, 2011). No meio rural ainda é verificada uma naturalização dos riscos no processo de trabalho tais como os de exposição a agentes químicos, os de picadas de animais peçonhentos, a exposição ao sol, entre outros, que, negligenciados tornam os trabalhadores deste setor ainda mais vulneráveis (FONTOURA JUNIOR et al, 2011).…”

The right to water: Impact on the quality of life of rural workers in a settlement of the Landless Workers Movement, Brazil

“…Thus, a lack thereof obstructs their access to food, self-care, hygiene, farming of medicinal plants, land management and symbolic interrelations that unfold in their territories. For that reason, social movements in Brazil’s countryside demand the opportunity to have a land to live in, with adequate access to water, mobilizing their traditional and politico-social knowledge and bolstering their social identity, a characteristic of the values and principles that they uphold [ 16 , 22 ]. For this to become a reality, access to water framed by the human rights framework is required.…”

“…Individual interviews were also used to gather data [ 16 ]. These interviews followed a semi-structured script, elaborated based on the researchers' experience and a literature review.…”

“…Indeed, the countryside population's identity incorporates traditional knowledge as an intimate relationship with nature and growth of products destined for commercialization and own consumption. Thus, difficulty in working the land can obstruct MST members' ability to build an identity, with consequent impacts on their lifestyles and health [16,[22][23][24][25]. In this way, the consequences of lacking availability of water, in terms of quantity and quality, to at least meet the settlers' basic needs can entail a forced exodus from the countryside.…”

“…During their occupation of land families encamp until gaining possession of the land, at which point they establish a settlement and acquire the right to use the land. Currently, the movement is present in 24 of Brazil’s states and, according to the latest estimates, is composed of 350,000 settled families and 120,000 camped families [ 16 ].…”