The importance of using protective equipment to reduce accidents in the work of fishermen from Santos

Abstract

Handmade fishing is an activity whose working conditions are still poor. This activity is represented at the NCEA with the medium-risk (GR-3), where the fishermen are informal workers with  self-responsibility of using Individual Protection Equipment (IPE: device or product, used for individual use by the employee, for the protection against risks that may threaten your safety and your health). This study included a group of 107 fishermen working at Perequê Beach (Guarujá) and Bertioga - SP. The methodology adopted was the use of semi-quantitative questionnaires as well as action orientation to the importance of using EPIs and the postures adopted in labor. The results and findings defined that the evident population did not practice prevention. For the fishermen, accidents and occupational diseases developed are not correlated with the use of protective equipment. The proportion of the incidence of accidents that were found was 19,6% . The anatomical regions hit by injuries of the upper members was 85,7%, head 9,5% , chest 4,8% and a case of hypothermia. Twenty one fishermen suffered an accident at work (19,6% of total). Due to the precariousness of the inspection and the familiar culture for the usage of appropriate prevention equipment for work activities of fishermen awareness and guidance issues are necessary for the correct use of equipment. Improvements in reports of illness and labor accidents for informal workers by the MPS, active oversight and training to correctly fit the required use of EPIs would contribute to the comfort of these professionals.

Keywords: personal and collective protective equipment, work accidents, occupational diseases.