Gathering Occupational Health Data from Informal Workers

Abstract

This study describes how occupational health data have been gathered by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) to provide morbidity and mortality estimates for formal and informal workers. In 2007, data on work-related diseases and injuries was incorporated into the compulsory notification system (SINAN) and analyzed by the SUS occupational health service network, which covers all Brazilian states. However, this work has not been fully implemented, resulting in the large-scale undercounting and underreporting of cases, particularly in relation to informal workers. This is suggestive of barriers that prevent access to services and good quality health care. The inclusion of work-related diseases and injuries in SINANs appears to be a feasible strategy for the collection of useful data for the surveillance of the entire universe of workers, particularly in countries where informal workers prevail within the labor force. Attention needs to be paid to the disparities in access and quality that affect low-paid, informal workers.

Occupational exposures and health-related quality of life in the Manaus Metropolitan Region, Amazonas State, Brazil: a cross-sectional study

“…In 2013, 154,240 cases of work-related diseases and injuries were reported in Brazil 2 . Between 2008 and 2013, an increase in the proportion of informal workers among the reported cases was observed in the country 2 .…”

“…In 2013, 154,240 cases of work-related diseases and injuries were reported in Brazil 2 . Between 2008 and 2013, an increase in the proportion of informal workers among the reported cases was observed in the country 2 . Informal workers showed worse self-reported status, greater difficulty in accessing healthcare services, and less interest in seeking healthcare services when compared to formal workers in a nationwide survey from 2008 3 .…”

The Changed World of Work

“…a better understanding of the working conditions and environmental risk factors that workers are exposed to at the job." 18 In this special edition, Vilma Santana et al 19 in Brazil outline how data on workers' health has been integrated into Brazil's overall system of compulsory notification of diseases and injuries. It was introduced in 2007 with the specific intention of capturing information about, yet distinguishing between, both formal and informal workers across Brazil.…”

“…This circumstance prevents informal workers from getting access to the worker compensation or social security networks. While Santana et al 19 explore how they have been addressed in Brazil, where compensation for work-related injuries or disease exists, informal workers are systematically excluded through the exclusion of the "self-employed." Interestingly, in South Africa this "self-employment" status places a legal responsibility on an informal worker to ensure that "he (or she) and other persons who may be directly affected by his (or her) activities are not thereby exposed to hazards to their health or safety."…”

Avaliação de saúde e do perfil metabólico de mulheres trabalhadoras inseridas no arranjo produtivo domiciliar e informal de joias e bijuterias de Limeira, SP

“…A economia atribuída ao trabalho informal representa significativa parte da produção econômica e de força de trabalho no mundo, sendo importante manter a atenção às disparidades de acesso e qualidade que afetam os trabalhadores informais e de baixa renda (Santana et al, 2016). A mão de obra informal domiciliar é uma das principais características da produção de joias e bijuterias da cidade de Limeira-SP.…”