Riscos à saúde e segurança do trabalho de coveiros e auxiliares em dois cemitérios municipais de Curitiba-PR

Abstract

The study has the main objective to identify the inherent occupational risks of the gravedigger profession. The utilized methodology was interview with professionals; which survey questionnaire were divided in groups: characterization; profession; health and safety; and personal hygiene. Furthermore, were realized in loco visits, to make observations and to registry in pictures the ambient and the activities being executed. There were interviewed 19 people from two municipal cemeteries of Curitiba, among gravediggers and assistants, all males with the average age of 46 years old. More than a half of the interviewed had between 15 and 30 years of experience and alleged have had labor accidents or developed some occupational disease, the more often mentioned were: cuts and/or lacerations; backache, and falls from height. In relation to safety, the most utilized Individual Protection Equipment (IPE) by the workers are gloves; masks; boots or safety boots. However, due some activities being heavy and executed at open air, these professionals are exposed to various risks, and the main causes found were: manual lifting and carrying of weights; inappropriate posture, falls from the same or different heights, improvised or faulty tools; and exposure to non-ionizing radiation. The most dangerous risk comes from biological agents, caused by the direct contact with corpses when realized the exhumation. Looking to improve the life quality of these professionals, were proposed the regular use of the IPE’s: safety vestments; boots; masks; cap with protection; and sunscreen. Besides the substitution of the reutilized rubber gloves for disposables ones. In addition, were recommended, quick breaks to rest, rehydrated and/or stretching, during the work journeys, as well as the training to personal hygiene and the correct use of the protection equipment’s, seeking for the health, welfare and safety of the professionals.