Accidentes de trabajo mortales y enfermedades profesionales en la minería (Régimen General). Perú: 2010-2019 / Fatal work accidents and professional diseases in mining (General Regime). Peru: 2010-2019

Se analiza el comportamiento de los accidentes de trabajo mortales (ATM) y de las enfermedades profesionales (EP), en relación con las empresas del régimen general en la minería peruana, durante los años 2010 al 2019. Se realizó un estudio transversal de la base de datos del Ministerio de Energía y Minas. El estudio incluyó las notificaciones de accidentes de trabajo mortales y de las enfermedades profesionales reportadas en esa década por las empresas mineras del régimen general; del 2010 al 2019 para los ATM, y entre 2011- 2019 para las EP, a nivel nacional. Resultados: De 422 ATM notificados entre 2010-2019 se determinan cuatro rangos, considerando 126 empresas. El rango D (dos empresas) son el 2% pero las que presentan la mayor siniestralidad laboral. La empresa D1 acredita 29 ATM y la empresa D2 tiene19 ATM, ambas asumen el 11.34% del total de los ATM en la década analizada. El rango A, son 95 empresas, conforman el 75% del total y presentan entre 1 a 3 ATM para el mismo periodo. El 61% de trabajadores víctimas de ATM son de contratistas y conexas; mientras que el 39% son ATM de las empresas principales. Entre 2011-2019 se notificaron 40,001 EP en las empresas mineras, trabajadores con menos de un año registran EP y mayores de 55 años tienen una curva pronunciada de EP. El 1% son trabajadoras mineras y el 99% son trabajadores. Se necesita mayor investigación sobre las EP en el sector minero(AU)

To analyse the behavior of fatal work accidents (ATMs for its acronym in Spanish) and occupational diseases (EPs), in companies under the general regime of the mining sector in Peru during the years 2010 to 2019. A cross-sectional study was carried out using the database from the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM). The study included notifications at the national level of ATMs (2010-2019) and EPs (2011 to 2019) reported by the mining companies under the general regime. Results: Of 422 ATMs reported by 126 companies between 2010-2019, four range categories were determined. Rank D grouped two companies (representing only 2%) that had the highest occupational accident rate. Company D1 reported 29 ATMs and company D2 reported 19 ATMs, together accounting for 11.34% of the total number of ATMs during the study period. Rank A consisted of 95 companies (representing 75%) and reporting between 1 to 3 ATMs for the same period. Contractor and outsourcing companies reported 61% of workers victims of ATMs, while main companies reported 39% of ATMs. Between 2011-2019, 40,001 EPs were reported in mining companies, workers under one year reported EPs, and workers over 55 years of age had a steep EP curve. Female workers represent 1% of mining workers and 99% are male workers. More research is needed on EPs in the mining sector(AU)

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Haul Truck Operators of the Mining Sector Working a Rotational Schedule

Abstract Background: Due to the growing concern about work-related social and health aspects, occupational health and safety has become relevant. Objective: This work aims to develop a model to assist cardiovascular risk management in a team of haul truck operators, who work in rotating shifts at a mining company in Brazil. Methods: This longitudinal study evaluated risk factors for cardiovascular diseases of 191 mineworkers at three times points - 2010, 2012, and 2015. In addition, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases was calculated, and the risk factors were analyzed using the chi-square test, the U Mann-Whitney test, and binary logistic regression. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: In the study period, body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHR), systolic (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides levels of the study group increased. In 2015, there was a high prevalence of alcohol intake, overweight or obesity, central obesity, inadequate WHR, high blood pressure, total cholesterol above 190 mg/dL, and triglycerides above 150 mg/dL. An association was identified between increased cardiovascular risk and age, SBP, HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and elevated glucose levels. Conclusion: Intense interventions for reduction and prevention of elevated alcohol intake, blood pressure levels, WHR, metabolic syndrome, blood glucose, and LDL-C levels, and low HDL-C levels are needed. In addition, a close monitoring of mine workers over 38 years of age who smoke, consume alcoholic beverages, and have altered blood glucose levels is important.

A "terra prometida": práticas de gestão, trabalho na mineração e seus impactos nas relações familiares / The "promised land": management practices, mining work and its impacts on family relations

Este artigo visa a apresentar uma pesquisa-intervenção voltada para a compreensão da relação entre família e trabalho, em uma unidade mineradora situada no Norte do Brasil. Adotam-se aqui olhares críticos da psicologia sobre o trabalho. Embora não estivessem previstos originalmente, os dados aqui relatados emergiram do campo, derivados do projeto de pesquisa-intervenção contratado pela empresa, que buscava investigar as variáveis psicossociais que diretamente afetam o trabalho de Operadores de retroescavadeira. A necessidade de buscar maior aproximação dos sujeitos de pesquisa motivou a realização de uma intervenção junto às suas famílias. Essa intervenção foi feita a partir de técnicas grupais, como rodas de conversa e visitas domiciliares, seguida pela análise das percepções dos familiares sobre o trabalho dos Operadores e sobre a relação desses com a empresa. Os resultados destacam a importância do conceito de território para compreender os processos de subjetivação das famílias; os vínculos sociais como fator psicossocial protetivo; a imbricada articulação entre o processo de gestão do trabalho e a política de benefícios sociais. Concluímos destacando a importância dos vínculos familiares para a compreensão real da atividade dos Operadores, e reafirmando a noção de centralidade do trabalho, na conformação do território.

This article aims to present an intervention research focused on understanding the relationship between family and work in a mining unit located in Northern Brazil. Psychology's critical views on work are adopted here. Although not originally foreseen, the data reported here emerged from the field, derived from the intervention research project contracted by the company, which sought to investigate the psychosocial variables that directly affect the work of backhoe operators. The need to get closer to the research subjects motivated the realization of an intervention with their families. This intervention was carried out using group techniques, such as conversation circles and home visits, followed by an analysis of family members' perceptions about the operators' work and their relationship with the company. The results highlight the importance of the concept of territory to understand the subjectivation processes of families; social bonds as a protective psychosocial factor; the imbricated articulation between the work management process and the social benefits policy. We conclude by highlighting the importance of family ties for the real understanding of the operators' activity, and reaffirming the notion of the centrality of work in the shaping of the territory.

Communication management in social responsibility programs in the mining sector / Gestión de la comunicación en programas de responsabilidad social en el sector minero

RESUMEN La responsabilidad social, como una de las respuestas a los actuales conflictos socioambientales, implica esfuerzos adicionales de las organizaciones para fortalecer su capacidad de gestión. Esto sucede, de manera especial, en las compañías mineras, cuyas actividades comprometen el uso de recursos de comunidades, entre ellos los naturales. Esta investigación analizó los aportes que la gestión de comunicaciones hace al relacionamiento con las comunidades en el marco de dos programas de responsabilidad social de los proyectos mineros Quebradona y Gramalote (ubicados en Antioquia, Colombia), adscritos a la compañía Anglogold Ashanti y ganadores del Premio Sello Social a la Minería en Antioquia, siendo dos de los proyectos con mayor exigencia y veeduría ciudadana en la región. Desde una mirada con predominancia interpretativa, y acudiendo a la revisión de documentos y entrevistas a jefes de áreas sociales, comunicadores, beneficiarios y líderes ambientales, se concluyó que el análisis del entorno, la visibilización de los programas y la mediación en los conflictos socioambientales son los principales aportes de los comunicadores en los proyectos mineros.

ABSTRACT Social responsibility, as one of the responses to current sock-environmental conflicts, implies additional efforts by organizations to strengthen their management capacity. This happens, especially, in mining companies, our activities compromise the use of community resources, including natural resources. This research analyzed the contributions that communications management makes to relations with communities within the framework of two social responsibility programs of the Quebradona and Gramalote mining projects (located in Antioquia, Colombia), attached to the company Anglogold Ashanti and winners of the Premio Sello Social a la Minería en Antioquia, being two of the projects with the highest demand and citizen oversight in the region. From an interpretive perspective and going to the review of documents and interviews with heads of social areas, communicators, beneficiaries, and environmental leaders, it was concluded that the analysis of the environment, the visibility of the programs and mediation in socio-environmental conflicts are the main contributions of communicators in mining projects.

Altitude effect on sleep quality and serum melatonin levels in Chilean mining workers / Efecto de la Altitud en la calidad de sueño y niveles séricos de melatonina en trabajadores mineros en Chile

High altitude (HA) mining operations are a very important business in Chile, but reduced availability of oxygen affects the sleep quality, increasing the risk of accidents. An important regulator of sleep-wake cycle is the hormone Melatonin, produced by pineal gland as a sleep inductor. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of high altitude (4,500 m) on the quality of sleep of workers undergoing to Chronic Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia (CIHH) using self-reported surveys of sleepiness and sleep quality, measurement of sleep apnea (using nocturnal oximetry) and serum levels of melatonin. The Desaturation index (ID4) results revealed higher HA scores compared to sea level (SL). Regarding melatonin levels, the results show that it is increased in HA versus SL and this increase would be related to oxygen saturation during sleep. These data link sleep quality in HA to its melatonin levels, suggesting that melatonin may be a potential biomarker for sleep quality.

Long-term posttraumatic stress disorder in mine workers after a coalmining disaster

Abstract Background A coalmine disaster has occurred in Turkey on 13 May 2014, which caused the death of 301 miners. Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and the risk factors for PTSD among mine workers, 2 years after the coalmining disaster. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey conducted between June 2016 and July 2016 among mine workers who were the employees of either the mine where the accident occurred or three other mines in the same area. Sociodemographic data form and PTSD Symptom-Scale Self-Report (PSS-SR) were used to collect data. Results 672 mine workers participated in the study. At the time of the accident, 23.7% (n = 159) of them were in the mine where the accident occurred. The mean score on total PSS-SR was 4.27 (SD: ±4.49). Eighteen (2.7%) participants screened positive for PTSD. Logistic regression analysis revealed the significant risk factors for PTSD are: being single/divorced/widowed, having a chronic disease, having a family history of psychiatric illness and previously experiencing traumatic events more than one. Discussion Coalmining workers have considerably high prevalence rate of PTSD symptoms after a coalmining disaster. Assessing PTSD and associated risks is important for preventive mental health services.

The impact of imported malaria by gold miners in Roraima: characterizing the spatial dynamics of autochthonous and imported malaria in an urban region of Boa Vista

BACKGROUND The number of malaria cases in Roraima nearly tripled from 2016 to 2018. The capital, Boa Vista, considered a low-risk area for malaria transmission, reported an increasing number of autochthonous and imported cases. OBJECTIVES This study describes a spatial analysis on malaria cases in an urban region of Boa Vista, which sought to identify the autochthonous and imported cases and associated them with Anopheles habitats and the potential risk of local transmission. METHODS In a cross-sectional study at the Polyclinic Cosme e Silva, 520 individuals were interviewed and diagnosed with malaria by microscopic examination. Using a global positional system, the locations of malaria cases by type and origin and the breeding sites of anopheline vectors were mapped and the risk of malaria transmission was evaluated by spatial point pattern analysis. FINDINGS Malaria was detected in 57.5% of the individuals and there was a disproportionate number of imported cases (90.6%) linked to Brazilian coming from gold mining sites in Venezuela and Guyana. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The increase in imported malaria cases circulating in the west region of Boa Vista, where there are positive breeding sites for the main vectors, may represent a potential condition for increased autochthonous malaria transmission in this space.

Impacto percibido en la salud de los mineros artesanales del municipio de Quinchía (Colombia) por el uso de mercurio y cianuro en el proceso de amalgamiento de oro / Perceived impact on the artisanal miner's health from quinchias municipality (Colombia) by the use of cyanide and mercury in the amalgamation process of gold

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar el impacto percibido en la salud de los mineros artesanales del municipio de Quinchía (Colombia) por el uso de mercurio y cianuro en el proceso de amalgamiento de oro. Métodos Investigación cuantitativa, descriptiva, en una muestra de 28 mineros activos expuestos a cianuro y mercurio. Se caracterizó el proceso de amalgamiento de oro, se realizó una encuesta de percepción de síntomas y se efectuaron exámenes de laboratorio para detectar la concentración de mercurio y cianuro en la sangre. Resultados El 50% de los mineros llevan en el oficio entre 21 y 30 años, con una exposición de 2,6 horas/día al mercurio y cianuro. El 33% de los mineros presentan niveles de concentración de mercurio en la sangre entre 4 y 4,9 microgramos por litro (μg/L) y refieren síntomas en los sistemas nervioso y digestivo. Los resultados de cianuro en la sangre fueron negativos. Conclusiones Las concentraciones de mercurio en la sangre se asocian con el tiempo en el oficio, horas de exposición al mercurio y percepción de síntomas. Los resultados de cianuro en la sangre no son coincidentes con los síntomas referidos por los mineros. Pese a que, se reconoce la toxicidad de estas sustancias químicas, aún se emplean métodos tradicionales y prohibidos sin tener en cuenta los protocolos de seguridad y el uso de elementos de protección adecuados. Los mineros constantemente están expuestos a procedimientos que implican riesgos para la salud; refieren síntomas no diagnosticados y que podrían afectar el organismo a largo plazo. No se adoptan medidas de prevención y promoción.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective Determine the Perceived Impact on the Artisanal Miner's Health from Quinchía's Municipality (Colombia) by the Use of Cyanide and Mercury in the Amalgamation Process of Gold. Methods Quantitative, descriptive research in a sample of 28 active miners exposed to cyanide and mercury. The process of gold amalgamation was characterized, a survey of symptom perception was carried out and laboratory tests were carried out to detect the concentration of mercury and cyanide in blood. Results 50% of the miners are in the trade between 21 and 30 years, with an exposure of 2.6 hours/day to mercury and cyanide. 33% of miners have levels of mercury concentration in blood between 4-4.9 micrograms per liter (μg/L), as well as refer to symptoms in the nervous and digestive systems. The results of cyanide in blood are negative. Conclusions Blood mercury concentrations are associated with time in the trade, hours of exposure to mercury and perception of symptoms. The results of cyanide in blood are not coincident with the symptoms reported by the miners. Although the toxicity of these chemical substances is recognized, traditional and prohibited methods are still used without taking into account safety protocols and the use of appropriate protection elements. Miners are constantly exposed to procedures that involve health risks, refer undiagnosed symptoms and that could affect the organism in the long term. Prevention and promotion measures are not adopted.(AU)

Hipovitaminose D e índices glicêmicos em trabalhadores de turno alternante de empresa de mineração / Hypovitaminosis D and glycemic index in individuals working in rotate shifts of a mining company

Objetivo: Demonstrar a prevalência da hipovitaminose D em trabalhadores de turno de uma empresa de mineração e verificar se, nesta população, há correlação entre as variáveis glicêmicas (hemoglobina glicada e glicemia de jejum) e os níveis séricos de vitamina D. Métodos: Estudo transversal observacional realizado por 2 anos consecutivos com trabalhadores de turno. No primeiro ano, foram analisados os níveis séricos de vitamina D (25(OH)D) e glicemia de jejum, excluindo indivíduos que realizavam tratamento para controle glicêmico, suplementação de vitamina D e/ou participantes do sexo feminino, totalizando 548 trabalhadores. No ano seguinte, foram selecionados da amostra anterior apenas os indivíduos que apresentaram hipovitaminose D (25(OH) D<30ng/mL). Nestes, foram analisados os níveis de 25(OH)D, glicemia de jejum e hemoglobina glicada. Foram aplicados o teste de normalidade Kolmogorov-Smirnov e a correlação de Spearman. Resultados: A idade média dos participantes foi de 38,2 anos. No primeiro ano, 80,8% dos trabalhadores apresentaram hipovitaminose D e 10,8% apresentavam glicemia de jejum fora dos níveis de normalidade. Dentre a amostra do ano seguinte, 81,1% permaneceram com hipovitaminose D, 18,2% apresentaram glicemia de jejum fora dos níveis de normalidade e 15,8% apresentaramhemoglobina glicada alterada. Não foram encontradas correlações significativas entre a 25(OH)D e a glicemia de jejum e hemoglobina glicada. Conclusão: Foi observada alta prevalência de hipovitaminose nos trabalhadores de turno. Diferentemente de outros estudos, não foram encontradas correlações significativas entre as variáveis glicêmicas e a concentração sérica da vitamina D. (AU)

Objective: To demonstrate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in shift workers of a mining company, and to check whether, in this population, there is a correlation between glycemic variables (glycosylated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose)- and serum levels of vitamin D. Methods: These are cross-sectional observational studies performed in two consecutive years with shift workers. In the first year, the serum levels of vitamin D (25(OH)D) and fasting plasma glucose were analyzed, with people who underwent treatment for glycemic control, vitamin D supplementation, and/or female participants being excluded, totalizing 548 workers. In the following year, only those individuals who presented hypovitaminosis D (25 (OH) D <30 ng/dL) were selected from the previous sample. The levels of 25 (OH) D, fasting plasma glucose, and HbA1C of these individuals were analyzed. The Kolmorogov-Smirnov normality test and the Spearman correlation were applied. Results: Th e m ean a ge o f participants was 38.2 years. In the first year, 80.8% (n=442) of the workers presented hypovitaminosis D, and 10.8% had fasting plasma glucose out of normal levels. Among the sample of the following year, 81.1% remained with hypovitaminosis D, 18.2% (n=51) had fasting glycemia out of normal levels, and 15.8% (n=44) had altered glycosylated hemoglobin. Conclusion: A high prevalence of hypovitaminosis in shift workers was observed. Differently from other studies, no significant correlations were found between glycemic variables and serum vitamin D concentration. (AU)

Estado nutricional, composición corporal e indicadores antropométricos de trabajadores mineros expuestos a hipoxia hipobárica crónica e intermitente a una altitud moderada (0-2500 msnm) / Nutritional status, body composition and anthropometric indicators of miners exposed to intermittent chronic hypobaric hypoxia at moderate altitude (0-2500 m)

RESUMEN Introducción En Chile, los trabajadores mineros están expuestos a condiciones laborales y ambientales particulares. Sin embargo, la normativa actual no considera estas condicionantes para evaluar el estado nutricional y riesgo cardiovascular de esta población. Objetivo Describir indicadores antropométricos de trabajadores mineros de la Región de Coquimbo, expuestos a un ambiente hipóxico hipobárico de manera crónica intermitente a una altitud moderada entre 0 a 2500 m. Metodología Se evaluaron 221 trabajadores a 0 m, 1600 m, y 2500 m. Se les midió peso, talla, pliegues cutáneos, perímetros de cintura y cuello. Con estas mediciones se determinó estado nutricional, composición corporal e indicadores antropométricos relacionados con riesgo cardiovascular. Resultados Los indicadores presentaron valores promedios superiores a la media nacional. Más aún, al separar los resultados por cota altitudinal, estos valores presentan un aumento a mayor altitud. Conclusión Este estudio mostró una alteración en los indicadores antropométricos, estado nutricional y composición corporal, con la altitud. Futuros estudios con un mayor tamaño muestral son necesarios para clarificar estos hallazgos.

ABSTRACT Introduction In Chile, miners are exposed to specific labor and environmental conditions. However, current regulations do not consider these conditions in the assessment of nutritional status and cardiovascular risk of this population. Objective To describe anthropometric indicators of miners in the Coquimbo Region who are exposed to chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia at moderate altitudes (between 0 and 2500 m). Methodology We evaluated 221 workers at 0 m, 1600 m, and 2500 m. We measured weight, height, skin fold, waist and neck circumference. With these measurements, we determined nutritional status, body composition and anthropometric indicators related to cardiovascular risk. Results The assessed indicators showed average values higher than national ones. Furthermore, values increased by altitude. Conclusion This study showed an alteration with the altitude in the anthropometric indicators, nutritional condition and body composition. Further studies with a high sample size are necessary to clarify these findings.

Prevalencia de la sintomatología respiratoria en trabajadores mineros del municipio de Socotá, Boyacá, 2017 / Prevalence of respiratory symptomatology in miners in the muni-cipality of Socotá, Boyacá, 2017 / Prevalência de sintomas respiratórios em trabalhadores da mine-ração no município de Socotá, Boyacá, 2017

Introducción. La minería se ha relacionado con problemas de salud de predominio respiratorio, causados por la exposición al carbón y a los diversos componentes que permanecen suspendidos en el aire de las minas, los cuales son un riesgo para contraer enfermedades de predominio respiratorio que clási-camente se manifiestan por tos, expectoración, hemoptisis y dolor en el pecho, entre otros síntomas. Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de la sintomatología respiratoria en los trabajadores mineros del municipio de Socotá (Boyacá) en diciembre de 2017.Metodología. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de tipo observacional, descriptivo y de corte transversal. Se in-cluyeron 794 trabajadores para tamizar síntomas indicativos de algún trastorno respiratorio importante.Resultados. Hubo predominio del grupo de edad de 36 a 45 años, con 240 (30,23 %) individuos. El grupo más sintomático fue el grupo B, con 48 a 69 meses de trabajo. La prevalencia de personas con sintomatología respiratoria fue de 5 % (n=40). El síntoma más prevalente fue la fatiga (n=134; 16,88 %). Al hacer una regresión logística multivariada dividida por una estratificación en meses de trabajo y hacer la comparación de toda la población contra el grupo B (48 a 96 meses), los síntomas de pérdida de peso, sudoración y dolor en pecho muestran una relación estadísticamente significativa. Conclusiones. La prevalencia de los sintomáticos respiratorios fue baja (n=40; 5 %) en esta población. Sin embargo, la regresión dio el indicio de que a mayor tiempo de exposición laboral, aumenta la aparición de síntomas en los trabajadores.

Introduction. Mining has been related to respiratory health problems, caused by exposure to carbon and various air suspended components that remain in mines, this particulate material increments the risk to contract respiratory diseases, classically manifest by cough, expectoration, hemoptysis and chest pain, and other symptoms.Objective. To determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in mining workers of Socotá City (Boyacá) on December 2017.Methods. An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out. 794 workers were included to screen symptoms indicative of an important respiratory disorder, giving great importance to the definition of respiratory symptoms.Results. There was predominance of age group between 36 to 45 years (240 individuals, 30.23%). Most symptomatic group was B group, who had 48 to 69 months working. The prevalence of respi-ratory was 5% (n = 40). The most prevalent symptom was fatigue 16.88% (n = 134), When doing a multivariate logistic regression divided by a stratification in months of work and making the comparison of whole population against group B (48 to 96 months), the symptoms of weight loss, sweating and chest pain show a statistically significant relationship.Conclusions. Respiratory symptoms prevalence was low, about 5% (n = 40) in this population. However, the regression gave an indication that appearance of symptoms is proportional to time of occupational exposure.

Introdução. A mineração tem sido relacionada a problemas de saúde de predominância respiratória, causados pela exposição ao carbono e os vários componentes que permanecem suspensos no ar das minas, que são um risco para contrair doenças de predominância respiratória que se manifestam pela tosse, expectoração, hemoptise e dor no peito, entre outros sintomas.Objetivo. Determinar a prevalência de sintomas respiratórios nos trabalhadores da mineração do município de Socotá (Boyacá) em dezembro de 2017.Materiais e métodos. Foi levado a cabo um estudo observacional, descritivo, transversal. Foram in-cluídos 794 trabalhadores para procurar sintomas indicativos de um distúrbio respiratório significativo.Resultados. Houve predomínio da faixa etária de 36 a 45 anos, com 240 (30,23%) indivíduos. O grupo mais sintomático foi o grupo B, com 48 a 69 meses de trabalho. A prevalência de pessoas com sintomas respiratórios foi de 5% (n = 40). O sintoma mais prevalente foi a fadiga (n = 134, 16,88%). Ao fazer a regressão logística multivariada dividida por uma estratificação em meses de trabalho e fazer a comparação de toda a população contra o grupo B (48 a 96 meses), os sintomas de perda de peso, sudorese e dor torácica mostram uma relação estatisticamente significativa.Conclusões. A prevalência de sintomas respiratórios foi baixa (n = 40, 5%) nessa população. No entanto, a regressão indicou que a maior tempo de exposição ocupacional aumenta o aparecimento de sintomas nos trabalhadores

Cultura alimentaria de un grupo de mineros operarios de maquinaria pesada: una aproximación etnográfica / Food culture of a group of mining workers of heavy machinery: an ethnographic approach

OBJETIVO: Describir e interpretar la cultura alimentaria de un grupo de trabajadores mineros, así como sus necesidades, intereses y percepciones respecto de su salud. METODOLOGÍA: Diseño descriptivo transversal de aproximación etnográfica. Los datos se recogieron con entrevistas en profundidad y observaciones de campo. Se realizó un análisis temático con codificación deductiva y se generaron categorías que fueron agrupadas en tres áreas temáticas: identidad y trabajo del minero, cultura alimentaria y percepciones de salud. RESULTADOS: Las características del trabajo e identidad del minero están asociadas a la capacidad de trabajar en condiciones de riesgo y cumplir un rol de proveedor familiar. La salud se asocia a la ausencia de dolencias, al adecuado desempeño laboral y bienestar general. La alimentación desempeña diversas funciones, como manejo de estrés, recreación y prevención de fatiga, asociada al imaginario familiar y al estatus social, entre otros. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados permiten distinguir una cultura alimentaria en el grupo de mineros que interactúa con su identidad de trabajador, lo que se plasma en las percepciones y acciones de salud dentro y fuera de la faena. Incorporar las funciones y significados atribuidos a la alimentación en la planificación de programas de prevención de fatiga y salud cardiovascular, así como la influencia del entorno alimentario, podría potenciar los resultados e impacto en la salud de los trabajadores.

OBJECTIVE. Describe and interpret the food culture of a group of mining workers, as well as their needs, interests and perceptions regarding their health. METHODOLOGY. Descriptive transversal design of ethnographic approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and field observations. A thematic analysis was carried out with deductive codification and categories were generated that were grouped in three thematic areas: identity and work of the miner, food culture and perceptions of health. RESULTS. The characteristics of the work and identity of the miner are associated with the ability to work in risky conditions and fulfill a role as a family supplier. Health is associated with absence of physical pain, adequate work performance and general well-being. Food plays a variety of functions, such as stress management, recreation and fatigue prevention, associated with family imagery and social status, among others. CONCLUSIONS. The results allow distinguishing a food culture in the group of miners that interacts with their worker identity, which is reflected in the perceptions and health actions inside and outside the work. Incorporating the functions and meanings attributed to diet in the planning of programs for the prevention of fatigue and cardiovascular health, as well as the influence of the food environment, could enhance the results and impact on the health of the workers.

Evaluation of pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms in pyrochlore mine workers / Avaliação da função pulmonar e sintomas respiratórios em trabalhadores da mineração de pirocloro

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify respiratory symptoms and evaluate lung function in mine workers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study involving production sector workers of a pyrochlore mining company. The subjects completed the British Medical Research Council questionnaire, which is designed to evaluate respiratory symptoms, occupational exposure factors, and smoking status. In addition, they underwent pulmonary function tests with a portable spirometer. Results: The study involved 147 workers (all male). The mean age was 41.37 ± 8.71 years, and the mean duration of occupational exposure was 12.26 ± 7.09 years. We found that 33 (22.44%) of the workers had respiratory symptoms and that 26 (17.69%) showed abnormalities in the spirometry results. However, we found that the spirometry results did not correlate significantly with the presence of respiratory symptoms or with the duration of occupational exposure. Conclusions: The frequencies of respiratory symptoms and spirometric changes were low when compared with those reported in other studies involving occupational exposure to dust. No significant associations were observed between respiratory symptoms and spirometry results.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a presença de sintomas respiratórios e avaliar a função pulmonar de trabalhadores da mineração. Métodos: Estudo observacional de caráter transversal realizado com trabalhadores do setor de produção de uma mineradora de pirocloro. Para avaliar os sintomas respiratórios, fatores de exposição ocupacional e tabagismo, foi aplicado o questionário de sintomas respiratórios British Medical Research Council, e a função pulmonar foi avaliada utilizando-se um espirômetro portátil. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 147 trabalhadores, todos do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 41,37 ± 8,71 anos e com tempo de exposição ocupacional de 12,26 ± 7,09 anos. Foi observado que 33 (22,44%) dos trabalhadores apresentaram sintomas respiratórios e que 26 (17,69%) dos trabalhadores apresentaram alguma alteração nos resultados espirométricos. Entretanto, os resultados espirométricos não se correlacionaram significativamente com sintomas respiratórios e tempo de exposição. Conclusões: As frequências de sintomas respiratórios e de alterações espirométricas apresentaram-se baixas quando comparadas às de estudos que envolviam exposição à poeira ocupacional. Não foram observadas associações significativas dos sintomas respiratórios com os valores espirométricos.

Intervención en alimentación y nutrición para mineros con factores de riesgo cardiovascular, basada en la investigación formativa / Food and nutrition intervention for miners with cardiovascular risk factors, based on formative research

We designed and implemented an intervention to improve the diet of 94 miners with cardiovascular risk of a mining company. The diagnosis included a qualitative study of the desires, motivations and barriers that workers have to lead a healthy life, a survey of food consumption and checking the institutional food service. Anthropometric and biochemical data were provided by the company. Based on the results, the intervention included improving the supply of healthy foods and conducting the communication campaign "Minero 100% Filete", workshops and nutritional counseling for them and their families. After 8 months of intervention we found a significant increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables and a decreased consumption of fried, cured and red meats. There was no significant change in BMI. However, there were significant decreases in systolic blood pressure, blood glucose levels, triglycerides and an increase in HDL cholesterol. Although the program was well received by the workers, it is acknowledged that there are significant adverse factors which merit improvement.

Se diseñó e implementó una intervención de 8 meses para mejorar la alimentación de 94 mineros con factores de riesgo cardiovascular. El diagnóstico incluyó un estudio cualitativo de los deseos, motivaciones y barreras de los trabajadores, una encuesta de consumo de alimentos y la revisión del aporte de la alimentación institucional. Los datos antropométricos y bioquímicos fueron proporcionados por la compañía minera. Con esta base, se solicitó mejorar la oferta de alimentos saludables y se realizó la campaña comunicacional "Minero 100% Filete", consejería nutricional, y talleres con las familias. Al finalizar la intervención se observó un aumento significativo del consumo de frutas y verduras y una disminución del consumo de frituras, cecinas y carnes rojas. No hubo cambios significativos en el IMC. Se registraron disminuciones significativas en la presión arterial sistólica, glicemia, triglicéridos y un aumento del colesterol HDL. El programa fue bien aceptado por los trabajadores, pero se reconocen factores ambientales adversos importantes de mejorar.