Return to work after sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorder or injury: a longitudinal study conducted in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders and injuries (MSDI) are conditions that affect the locomotor system characterized by pain and impairment of functionality. They are the leading cause of years lived with disability. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors that influence the return to work (RTW) among workers on sick leave due to MSDI.   METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, between 2020-2022. The participants were 216 workers who required social security compensation due to MSDI. They filled out online questionnaires about their sociodemographic characteristics, health risk behaviors, work characteristics and health conditions. They were followed for 365 days after their first day of sick leave. A Cox regression was performed to identify the factors that influenced their first RTW. RESULTS: Most participants were male (53.0%), mean age was 39.5 years (SD 10.6), 70.4% returned to work within the one-year follow-up period. The mean duration of sick leave was 192.6 days. Factors associated with a lower RTW were age 40 years and older (HR 0.54; 95%CI 0.39-0.76) and the interaction between perceptions of the need for improvement in the physical and psychological domains of quality of life (HR 0.67; 95%CI 0.48-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: Occupational healthcare professionals should pay greater attention to patients who are aging and those with perceived worse physical and psychological conditions, in order to facilitate the reintegration process and promote sustained RTW after sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorder or injury.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of Health Effects on Emergency Service Nursing Workers via a Qualitative Approach.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, longstanding issues involving nursing work, which has always involved significant risks of illness and infection, were intensified. It is necessary to acknowledge the risks and nurses' perceptions about the risks qualitatively during the period of the health crisis. The aim of this study was to examine the health repercussions perceived by nursing workers in emergency services during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. This was a qualitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study. The settings of the study were emergency services with a national scope; the participants were nursing workers. Data were collected via face-to-face virtual calling interviews and analyzed via a content analysis technique, which was supported by IRAMUTEQ software. The formation of textual classes pointed in three thematic directions, from which three categories emerged: nursing workers' exposure, due to a lack of protective equipment, to the risk of being contaminated with, falling ill from, and transmitting the COVID-19 virus; changes in work environments, processes, and relations in response to the pandemic; and physical, mental, and psychosocial alterations perceived by emergency service nursing workers. The exposure to the virus, risk of contamination, and changes in the work environment and relations all resulted in health repercussions, which were perceived as physical, mental, and psychosocial alterations that were described as dietary disturbances, physical fatigue, burnout, increased smoking, anxiety, sleep alterations, fear, exhaustion, stress, social isolation, loneliness, distancing from relatives, and social stigma.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Length of Stay at Work after Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Longitudinal Study in Brazil.

Vocational rehabilitation is an intervention to enhance the return to work and improve quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate sociodemographic and occupational factors associated with the length of stay at work among workers with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) who had undergone rehabilitation through the Brazilian public social security system. This was a longitudinal study among 680 workers with histories of disability due to WRMDs who returned to the formal job market after vocational rehabilitation between 2014 and 2018. Survival analysis was performed to identify the factors influencing permanence in work. Job dismissal occurred for 29.26% of the workers. The average duration of employment after returning to the formal job position was 56 months. The following factors were associated with shorter length of employment: living in the southeastern region (HR: 2.78; 95% CI 1.12-6.91) or southern region (HR: 2.68; 95% CI 1.04-6.90) of Brazil; working in transportation, storage or postal services (HR: 2.57; 95% CI 1.07-6.17); or working in financial activities, insurance or related services (HR: 2.70; 95% CI 1.05-6.89). These findings may contribute to the discussion about prevention of disability and interventions to ensure health care for workers with WRMD disabilities who undergo rehabilitation.

Factors associated with visual function among computer-based administrative workers: a Brazilian cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Several studies have shown that eye and vision problems are among the most significant issues reported by individuals who use computers at work. Objectives: To investigate individual and occupational environmental factors associated with visual function among workers who perform computer-based administrative tasks. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2014-2015 with 303 workers of a public hospital in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The participants answered a structured questionnaire, including the 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire. Statistical analyses used descriptive analysis, tests of association and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Most participants were female (61.1%); the mean age was 46.0 (standard deviation [SD]) ± 12.5, and approximately 91.7% of them reported wearing corrective lenses. Regarding visual function, the mean score at the 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire was 78.0, SD ±7.1. A regression analysis showed that visual function declined with age (ß -0.218; 95%CI -0.276--0.16l) and effort at work (ß -0.656; 95%CI -0.928--0.383). Conclusions: The mean quality of visual health in the studied group was good. The younger the age and the lower the effort at work, the better the visual function. Our results point to the relevance of establishing periodical and preventive health actions, including eye health assessments.

Introdução: Vários estudos mostraram que os problemas oculares e visuais são distúrbios importantes relatados por usuários de computador. Objetivos: Investigar os fatores ambientais individuais e ocupacionais associados à função visual em trabalhadores administrativos usuários de computador. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado em 2014-2015, com 303 trabalhadores de um hospital público da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Os participantes responderam a um questionário estruturado, incluindo o Questionário de Função Visual do National Eye Institute de 25 Itens. A análise estatística utilizou variáveis descritivas e qualitativas e uma análise de regressão linear múltipla. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes era do sexo feminino (61,1%); a média de idade era de 46,0 (desvio-padrão) ± 12,5, aproximadamente 91,7% deles relataram o uso de lentes corretivas. O escore médio do Questionário de Função Visual do National Eye Institute de 25 Itens foi de 78,0 desvios padrão ± 7,1. A análise de regressão mostrou que a função visual diminuiu com o aumento da idade (ß −0,218; IC95% −0,276--0,161) e esforços no trabalho (ß −0,656; IC95% −0,928--0,383). Conclusões: A qualidade média da saúde visual era boa no grupo. A função visual era melhor entre os mais jovens e com percepção de menor esforço no trabalho. Os resultados apontam para a relevância de manter ações periódicas, como a avaliação da saúde ocular.

Factors associated with the death of healthcare workers due to COVID-19 in the state of Amapá, Brazil.

Introduction: Frontline healthcare workers providing care for COVID-19 are more likely to get infected and die compared with other professionals. Deaths or sick leaves due to COVID-19 can affect the smooth operation of health services in areas with shortage of workers. Objectives: To analyze factors associated with the death of healthcare workers due to COVID-19 in the state of Amapá, Brazil. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study using COVID-19 data from Amapá between March 2020 and January 2021. The association of independent variables (sex, race/color, age group, region of residence, comorbidity) with death was analyzed by logistic regression. Results: Data from 1,258 workers were analyzed. The majority were women (67.7%; 852/1,258), multiracial (66.9%; 759/1,135), aged between 18 and 64 (98.3%; 1,226/1,247), with no comorbidity (86.6%; 1,090/1,258), from the Macapá metropolitan area (56.7%; 713/1,258). The mortality rate was 1.59%. Factors associated with death were: age group = 65 years (odds ratio = 10.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.78-39.11), comorbidity (odds ratio = 4.52; 95%CI = 1.74-11.74), and residence in the Macapá metropolitan area (odds ratio = 4.37; 95%CI = 1.25-15.29). Conclusions: The recognition of factors that may have caused the death of healthcare workers in Amapá can support the recommendation of protective measures for the most susceptible, such as switching to activities with lower exposure to the virus or teleworking.

Sick leave due to dorsopathies among bus drivers from a company in São Paulo, Brazil.

Introduction: Dorsopathies are common among bus drivers and may result in absenteeism due to work disability. Dorsopathies have a multifactorial etiology, including those related to occupational risk factors. Objectives: To analyze the factors associated with sick leave due to dorsopathies among bus drivers from a public transport company. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, analytical study with information from a database of 2,229 professional bus drivers from a company in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The study period was from 2016 to 2017. Independent variables were sex, age group, length of service, and work shift; the outcome was the history of sick leave due to dorsopathies in the study period. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors associated with the outcome. Results: Mean sample age was 47.33 years, and mean length of service was 8.65 years. Most participants were men (98.06%) and worked during the day (85.9%). There was a 17% prevalence of sick leave in the study period, with an average of 1.86 days per medical certificate. Age group was the only variable with a statistically significant distribution, with a reduced probability of sick leave due to dorsopathies in those aged ≥ 40 years. Conclusions: Younger workers were more likely to be on sick leave due to dorsopathies than older workers. Actions aimed at permanent health promotion and disease prevention are important to improve the quality of life and well-being of these workers.

Covid-19 relacionada ao trabalho: como reconhecer e notificar / Work-related Covid-19: how to recognize and notify

Resumo Introdução Covid-19 é a doença provocada pelo coronavírus-2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SARS-CoV-2), reconhecida como pandemia com transmissão comunitária no Brasil. Conhecer a potencial exposição ocupacional e os mecanismos de transmissão são essenciais para a definição de estratégias de prevenção e proteção em situações de trabalho. Objetivo Propor uma abordagem sistematizada visando o reconhecimento, a caracterização e a notificação da covid-19 como doença relacionada ao trabalho (DRT). Método Revisão da literatura sobre o tema para sistematizar a avaliação qualitativa do risco ocupacional e a potencial relação da covid-19 com o trabalho. Resultados Foi proposta uma matriz indicando que a covid-19 pode ser: doença presumidamente relacionada ao trabalho para exposição alta ou muito alta ao vírus; doença provavelmente relacionada ao trabalho para exposição média ao vírus; ou doença possivelmente relacionada ao trabalho para menor grau de exposição ao vírus. Conclusão A caracterização e notificação dos casos de covid-19 relacionados ao trabalho nos sistemas de informação permite analisar o perfil epidemiológico da doença, que é essencial para o planejamento das ações de atenção integral à saúde dos trabalhadores, e contribui para a indissociabilidade entre a assistência direta e a vigilância em saúde.

Abstract Background Covid-19 is the disease caused by coronavirus-2 of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-Cov-2) recognized as a pandemic with community transmission in Brazil. Knowing the potential occupational exposure and transmission mechanisms are essentials to define preventive and protective strategies. Objective This article presents a proposal to systematize the recognition, characterization and notification of covid-19 as a work-related disease (WDR). Method Literature review on the subject to systematize the qualitative assessment of occupational risks and the potential relationship between covid-19 and work. Results A matrix was proposed indicating that covid-19 can be: presumably work-related for high or very high exposure to the virus; probably work-related for medium exposure; or possibly work-related for lower exposure to the virus. Conclusion The characterization and notification of work-related covid-19 in the information systems allows the analysis of the epidemiological profile, which is essential to plan actions of comprehensive health care for workers, and to contribute to the inseparability between assistance and health surveillance.

Working conditions are associated with the occurrence of sleepiness of nursing professionals: a case-control study.

Objectives: To identify the factors associated with the occurrence of sleepiness among nursing professionals. Material and Methods: A case-control study nested in a cross-sectional one, conducted with 364 controls and 121 cases. Data on demographic and occupational characteristics were collected, as well as about lifestyle, physical and psychosocial work environment and somnolence. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: The independent factors associated with the presence of sleepiness were as follows: imbalance between efforts and rewards (ORa=3.81; p<0.001), high overcommitment (ORa=3.20; p<0.001), workload equal to or greater than 45 hours a week (ORa=2.30; p=0.001), situations that can generate pain/injury with moderate or high exposure (ORa=1.85; p=0.037), and night work (ORa=1.71; p=0.038). The model was adjusted by gender and age group. Conclusion: Individual and historical-occupational characteristics and, mainly, those related to the physical and psychosocial work environment, were associated with the occurrence of sleepiness. Public and institutional preventive policies must include improvements in the conditions of the physical and psychosocial work environment, as well as strengthening of the individual resources.

Validity Evidence of Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Professional Fulfillment Index.

PURPOSE: The questionnaire "Professional Fulfillment Index" (PFI) was validated to assess emotional exhaustion, interpersonal disengagement, and professional achievement among physicians. This study presents the process of cross-cultural adaptation of the PFI to the Brazilian context. DESIGN: Analytical cross-sectional study carried out between July and October 2020. Settings: For conceptual equivalence, a panel of experts was constituted who conducted analyzes on the translation and back-translation processes from English to Brazilian Portuguese. SUBJECTS: For the operational equivalence, 432 physicians in the field of Occupational Medicine were invited. MEASURES: They answered the PFI in an online platform. Analysis: Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to seek evidence of the hypothesized structure of PFI item responses. Reliability was assessed using three indicators. RESULTS: The Brazilian version can be considered similar to the original. Most of participants were female (57.6%) and mean age 49.6 years-SD 14.0. The mean time since graduation was 18.5 years-SD 9.67. Most of them had a full-time job (88.0%) and were trained through post-graduation courses 83.8%. The most frequent job task was to perform worker´s clinical evaluations (84.9%). Exploratory and confirmatory analyzes showed the adequacy of the items in measuring the instrument's construct, with stability for use in other populations and samples. CONCLUSION: The PFI was developed to evaluate positive and negative aspects of physicians' role and performance. The process described in this article was the first cross-cultural adaptation of the questionnaire. The PFI can help in mapping potential risk situations for negative impacts on physicians' occupational well-being and performance at work, in order to propose interventions that reduce exhaustion and expand professional fulfillment.

Occupational psychosocial stressors and mental distress among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with mental distress among health workers who cared for patients with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study of national scope, carried out between in the second quarter of 2020. A total of 437 health professionals, who filled out an electronic form about sociodemographic data, occupational aspects, psychosocial characteristics of work and mental distress. Multiple logistic regression was performed to analyze the covariables associated with mental distress. RESULTS: There was a predominance of workers on the nursing team (65.0%), female (71.0%), from Southeastern region of the country (68.6%) and with no morbidities (36.2%). The prevalence of mental distress was 61.6%. Job strain was reported by 24% of participants, and the perception of low support from coworkers was described by 52.9%. The final multiple regression model showed that mental distress was associated with females (odds ratio - OR: 1.93; 95%CI: 1.22-3.07), age up to 40 years (OR: 1.64; 95%CI: 1.07-2.52), weekly working hours equal or over 60 hours (OR: 1.87; 95%CI: 1.15-3.11), job strain (OR: 2.45; 95%CI: 1.41-4.40) and low support from co-workers (OR: 3.47; 95%CI: 2.26-5.38). CONCLUSION: Six out of ten participants presented mental distress, which was associated to both individual characteristics and factors related to the work carried out during the pandemic. There is an urgent need to map services that have such characteristics, to outline actions to promote mental health and prevent emotional distress at different levels of health care.

Prevalence of COVID-19 testing among health workers providing care for suspected and confirmed cases.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of testing among health workers providing care for suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19. METHODS: This quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2020, using a convenience sample. An online questionnaire was used for collecting sociodemographic, occupational, and clinical data, which were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: In total, 437 health workers participated in the study, with a predominance of nursing workers (58.68%), women (70.3%), age between 30 and 49 years (54.2%), individuals living in the Southeast region of Brazil (60.54%), working in the public care system (69.11%), and focused on primary care (30.89%). Among the participants, 36% reported comorbidities, 21.1% had symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, and only 27% had undergone some type of COVID-19 testing. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the existence of risk comorbidities and symptoms suggestive of contamination, the frequency of testing was below one third among respondents. The lack of action compromises health surveillance and protection strategies for workers providing care for the population and may favor the contamination of new patients and the community.

Aging and the Future of Decent Work.

The United Nations identified decent work and economic growth as a sustainable development goal for 2030. Decent work is a term that sums up aspirations for people in their working lives. One of the factors that influences the achievement of decent work is aging. This article examines how aspects of aging and organizational factors affect work ability across the lifespan and throughout one's work career. Additionally, the critical issue of worker physical mobility was also addressed as a practical limitation to functional aging. Through our investigation, we identified gaps in the literature where research and interventions should be promoted. These include early disability studies; population dashboards of workers' health metrics; intervention and cost effectiveness in health promotion and prevention of early functional aging at work; policies for tailoring demands to individual needs and abilities; and inequities of social protection for aging workers.

Return to Work After a Disabling Mental Disorder: Predictors From a Brazilian 1-Year Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze factors that influence return to work (RTW) among workers on sickness absence due to mental disorders. METHODS: A longitudinal study conducted between 2014 and 2017 in São Paulo, Brazil. The 385 participants answered a questionnaire including sociodemographics, habits/lifestyle, job characteristics, and clinical information. Survival analysis was performed to identify factors influencing the RTW. RESULTS: Most of participants were females (74.5%), worked in jobs dealing with public (44.2%) and were depressed (52.4%). RTW occurred for 68.3% participants over 1-year follow-up. Mean duration of absence was 163.83 days. The risk profile for remaining absent was heavy smokers, be abstainer, obese, deal with the public, perceived great effort at work, and low self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: These findings can contribute in discussion about disability prevention and interventions to assure mental health care for workers.

Mental distress in workers at two metallurgical companies in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

This study aimed to map the prevalence of mental distress among employees at two metallurgical companies and to analyze differences according to the sex of workers and the employing company. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using the 20-item Self-Reporting Questionnaire to map the prevalence of mental distress. A total of 439 workers participated in the study. The overall prevalence was 10.0%, being 4 times higher in women (32.3%) than in men (8.3%) (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the prevalence rates of mental distress according to employing company (p = 0.271) or sector (p = 0.239). The most frequent complaint was 'nervousness, tension, and worry' (48.7%). These results indicate the need for management of workers' mental health, especially among women.

Objetivou-se mapear a prevalência de sofrimento mental entre empregados de duas empresas metalúrgicas e analisar diferenças conforme o sexo dos trabalhadores e a empresa de vínculo. Tratou-se de um estudo transversal analítico que utilizou o questionário Self-Reporting Questionnaire de 20 perguntas para mapear a prevalência de sofrimento mental. Participaram da pesquisa 439 trabalhadores. A prevalência geral foi 10,0%, sendo cerca de quatro vezes maior no sexo feminino (32,3%) que no masculino (8,3%) (p < 0,001). Não houve diferença entre as prevalências de sofrimento mental segundo empresa de vínculo (p = 0,271) ou setor (p = 0,239). A queixa mais frequente foi "nervosismo, tensão e preocupação" (48,7%). Esses resultados indicam a necessidade de gerenciamento da saúde mental dos trabalhadores, especialmente das mulheres.

Occupational psychosocial stressors and mental distress among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic / Estressores psicossociais ocupacionais e sofrimento mental em trabalhadores de saúde na pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the factors associated with mental distress among health workers who cared for patients with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods A cross-sectional analytical study of national scope, carried out between in the second quarter of 2020. A total of 437 health professionals, who filled out an electronic form about sociodemographic data, occupational aspects, psychosocial characteristics of work and mental distress. Multiple logistic regression was performed to analyze the covariables associated with mental distress. Results There was a predominance of workers on the nursing team (65.0%), female (71.0%), from Southeastern region of the country (68.6%) and with no morbidities (36.2%). The prevalence of mental distress was 61.6%. Job strain was reported by 24% of participants, and the perception of low support from coworkers was described by 52.9%. The final multiple regression model showed that mental distress was associated with females (odds ratio - OR: 1.93; 95%CI: 1.22-3.07), age up to 40 years (OR: 1.64; 95%CI: 1.07-2.52), weekly working hours equal or over 60 hours (OR: 1.87; 95%CI: 1.15-3.11), job strain (OR: 2.45; 95%CI: 1.41-4.40) and low support from co-workers (OR: 3.47; 95%CI: 2.26-5.38). Conclusion Six out of ten participants presented mental distress, which was associated to both individual characteristics and factors related to the work carried out during the pandemic. There is an urgent need to map services that have such characteristics, to outline actions to promote mental health and prevent emotional distress at different levels of health care.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar os fatores associados ao sofrimento mental de trabalhadores de saúde que atuavam na assistência a pacientes com diagnóstico suspeito ou confirmado de doença pelo coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19). Métodos Estudo transversal analítico de abrangência nacional, realizado no segundo trimestre de 2020. Participaram 437 profissionais de saúde que preencheram formulário eletrônico sobre dados sociodemográficos, aspectos ocupacionais, características psicossociais do trabalho e sofrimento mental. Foi realizada regressão logística múltipla para analisar as covariáveis associadas ao sofrimento mental. Resultados Predominaram trabalhadores da equipe de enfermagem (65,0%), do sexo feminino (71,0%), da região Sudeste do país (68,6%) e sem morbidades (36,2%). A prevalência de sofrimento mental foi de 61,6%. O trabalho de alta exigência psicossocial foi informado por 24% dos participantes e a percepção de baixo apoio dos colegas de trabalho foi relatada por 52,9%. O modelo de regressão múltiplo final demonstrou que o sofrimento mental estava associado a: sexo feminino (razão de chance - RC: 1,93; IC95%: 1,22-3,07), idade até 40 anos (RC: 1,64; IC95%: 1,07-2,52), jornada semanal de trabalho igual ou superior a 60 horas (RC: 1,87; IC95%: 1,15-3,11), trabalho de alta exigência (RC: 2,45; IC95%: 1,41-4,40) e baixo apoio dos colegas (RC: 3,47; IC95%: 2,26-5,38). Conclusão Seis em cada dez participantes apresentavam quadro de sofrimento mental associado tanto a características individuais, quanto a fatores relacionados ao trabalho realizado durante a pandemia. É urgente a necessidade de mapear os serviços que tenham tais características, para delinear ações de promoção da saúde mental e prevenção do desgaste emocional nos diversos níveis de atenção em saúde.

Prevenção relacionada à exposição ocupacional do profissional de saúde no cenário de COVID-19 / Prevention related to the occupational exposure of health professionals workers in the COVID-19 scenario / Prevención relacionada cone la exposición ocupacional de profesionales de la salud en el escenario COVID-19

Objetivo: descrever as principais recomendações sobre ações de prevenção de contágio relacionadas à exposição ocupacional dos profissionais de saúde atuantes frente à COVID-19, disponíveis até março de 2020. Conteúdo: A atual pandemia da doença causada pelo novo coronavírus SARS-CoV-2 tem transmissão favorecida pelo contato próximo e desprotegido com secreções ou excreções de pacientes infectados, principalmente por meio de gotículas salivares. Práticas organizacionais de prevenção devem ser previstas antes da chegada do paciente ao serviço de saúde, reduzindo o fluxo de atendimento, no primeiro atendimento e durante as ações assistenciais, para minimizar a exposição ocupacional ao agente biológico. Profissionais de saúde classificados como grupo de risco devem ser afastados de atividades de risco de contaminação. Aqueles contaminados ou adoecidos devem permanecer em quarentena para minimizar a propagação da COVID-19. Considerações finais: os cuidados para prevenção de contaminação de trabalhadores nesta pandemia pelo novo coronavírus devem ser priorizados, evitando impactos negativos na assistência à população que busca atendimento nos serviços de saúde.

Objective: to describe the main recommended actions on prevention actions related to occupational exposure of health professionals working at COVID-19, available until March 2020. Content: The current pandemic disease caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has its transmission favored by close and unprotected contact with secretions or excretions from infected patients, mainly through salivary droplets. Organizational prevention practices should be prioritized, since patient's arrival at the health service, optimizing the flow of care, the first care and during health care actions, to minimize occupational exposure to the biological agent. Health professionals classified as a risk group should be removed from activities at risk of contamination. Those contaminated or adulterated must remain in quarantine to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Final considerations: care to avoid contamination of workers in this pandemic by the new coronavirus must be prioritized, prevented from affecting the assistance to the population that seeks assistance in health services.

Objetivo: describir las principales acciones recomendadas sobre acciones de prevención relacionadas con la exposición ocupacional de los profesionales de la salud que trabajan en COVID-19, disponible hasta marzo de 2020. Contenido: La enfermedad pandémica actual causada por el nuevo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 tiene su transmisión favorecida por contacto cercano y sin protección con secreciones o excreciones de pacientes infectados, principalmente a través de gotas salivales. Se deben priorizar las prácticas de prevención organizacional, desde la llegada del paciente al servicio de salud, optimizando el flujo de atención, la primera atención y durante las acciones de atención de salud, para minimizar la exposición ocupacional al agente biológico. Los profesionales de la salud clasificados como grupo de riesgo deben ser retirados de las actividades en riesgo de contaminación. Las personas contaminadas o adulteradas deben permanecer en cuarentena para minimizar la propagación de COVID-19. Consideraciones finales: se debe priorizar la atención para evitar la contaminación de los trabajadores en esta pandemia por el nuevo coronavirus, evitando que afecte la asistencia a la población que busca asistencia en los servicios de salud.

Trends in the Cumulative Incidence of Vocational Rehabilitation Indicators in Brazil, 2007-2016.

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) aims at improving work ability to facilitate workers' return to work. VR is provided in Brazil by the public social security system. The aim of the present study was to analyze trends in VR indicators for Brazil from 2007 to 2016. Based on open-access, secondary aggregate data, we calculated the cumulative incidence of VR indicators. We fitted Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression models to estimate trends and calculated annual percent variation with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The mean cumulative incidence of referrals to VR services was 37.16/1000 temporary disability benefits granted and exhibited a decreasing trend of -6.92% (95% CI: -8.38; -5.43). The mean cumulative incidence of admissions to VR services was 57.34/100 referrals and exhibited an increasing trend of 3.31% (95% CI: 1.13; 5.53). The mean cumulative incidence of rehabilitation was 57.43/100 admissions and remained stable along the analyzed period, -2.84 (95% CI: -5.87; 0.29). Our findings evidence a reduction in the number of workers referred for VR, an increase of admissions, and stability in the cumulative incidence of rehabilitated workers.