Gestão na saúde no ambiente de trabalho de pilotos de aeronaves de asas rotativas

Abstract

The constant transformations and implementation of high-performance technologies in the aviation sector have required professionals to have excellent technical, behavioral, physical, cognitive and socio-emotional skills. This study proposed the construction of an instrument to assess fatigue at work for rotary wing aircraft pilots, identifying the indicators of risk of illness to these professionals' health, which contribute to physical and mental health problems in the exercise of their functions. Factors such as the work context, physical, emotional, cognitive, relational and social costs and damages, as well as fatigue and the meanings of pleasure and suffering at work were evaluated. To achieve this objective, an exploratory and field study was carried out with a sample of 52 rotary wing aircraft pilots from an airline company in the southern region of Brazil. Data were collected through questionnaires and scales, including the Inventory of Risk of Illness at Work (ITRA) and the fatigue assessment scale developed specifically for rotary wing pilots (EAFPAAR). Data analysis combined quantitative and qualitative approaches, using content analysis, factor analysis and clustering. The results revealed that, in the work context, lack of recognition, devaluation, difficulties in interpersonal relationships and communication failures were considered critical aspects. Regarding work-related costs, pilots reported high physical costs, especially musculoskeletal diseases, critical costs in the psychological, cognitive and relational dimensions, while social relationships were considered satisfactory. Feelings of fatigue, exhaustion and stress were observed among pilots, in addition to indicators of possible psychopathological disorders, such as anxiety, somatic symptoms and depressive mood. Professionals mentioned difficulties and illnesses, but did not report concrete damages. Compared with other applied scales, the EAFPAAR proved to be consistent and could serve as support for periodic fatigue assessments, defining appropriate health interventions, covering promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation in the health of rotary wing aircraft pilots, enabling mental health management focused on the well-being of the pilot, the organization and society.