Avaliação dos riscos e das condições de trabalho em uma carvoaria no estado do Paraná

Abstract

Brazil is the main producer and the largest consumer of charcoal in the world, results driven by the use of charcoal on an industrial scale by the steel, to reduce pig iron. Domestic consumption has a stake in these numbers and for this segment the charcoal is often produced on small farms with low technological application and usually in inadequate conditions for work. The objective of this study is evaluate the risks during the steps of the wood carbonization process, describe the steps and working conditions in a small family farm. Physical, chemical and biological risks were found, as well as stressful work situations, and back pain is the main complaint of the operators. The most problematic step according to the workers is unloading the charcoal furnaces, with the dust how the main aggravating on this site. The lack of personal protective equipment exposes more the worker, increasing the risk of occupational diseases. This study recommends a more detailed quantitative analysis of the assessed risks, especially the carbon monoxide concentration and other particulate matter, which the employee is frequently exposed. Conclusion is that the production process has a low technological level, excessive human endeavor, more aggravated by the poor conditions of the working environment.