Abstract

MACHADO, Jorge M. H.  and  GOMEZ, Carlos Minayo. Occupational accidents: an expression of social violence. Cad. Saúde Pública [online]. 1994, vol.10, suppl.1, pp. S74-S87. ISSN 0102-311X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X1994000500006.

The main objective of this study is to underscore the link between violence and the work process. Brazil is presently characterized by a very high level of occupational accidents, which amount to a form of structural violence in the workplace. The study considers the situation in the international context, with a brief analysis of different data in a variety of economic sectors. Brazilian data on occupational accidents obtained from National Social Welfare System records and death certificate archives are also discussed. In apparent contrast to international data, the Brazilian records demonstrate that outdoor activities, and in particular traffic accidents, are the major causes of death at work. Problems relating to the quality of data and to the classification of different types of accidents are also examined.

Keywords : Occupational Accidents; Violence at Work; Accidents; Mortality; Occupational Health.