O homem como ator central no processo de trabalho e no desenvolvimento tecnológico / The man as the main actor in work process and in the technological development

O presente estudo teve como antecedentes uma preocupação dos pesquisadores diante das constantes alterações observadas nos trabalhadores, decorrentes dos esforços repetitivos nas diversas funções laborativas em que o homem se submete ao longo do processo de trabalho, considerando-se que o trabalhador brasileiro tem uma ativa vida de trabalho, entre 30 e 35 anos. Pode-se vislumbrar as consequências ocorridas com a pessoa que já está a um longo tempo exercendo funções que possam causar os danos da atividade repetitiva. Para conhecer melhor esta realidade, procurou-se elaborar um projeto de pesquisa para ser aplicado junto aos trabalhadores na Unidade Municipal de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador (UMREST) na cidade de Santa Cruz do Sul. Com isto objetivamos, através dos resultados, implementar uma metodologia assistencial de enfermagem em situações de agravos à saúde do trabalhador, em especial as Lesões de Esforço Repetitivo - LER e Distúrbios Osteomusculares Relacionados ao Trabalho - DORT, com enfoque educativo problematizador e promover um processo reflexivo de instrumentalização do trabalhador para um reposicionamento frente às vulnerabilidades e cargas de trabalho vivenciadas.

Impact of case manager training on worksite accommodations in workers' compensation claimants with upper extremity disorders.

Management of the return-to-work process in claimants with work-related upper extremity disorders often poses challenges to the health care provider, claimant, and employer. Modifying workplace ergonomic risk factors as a component of the workplace accommodation process may improve return-to-work outcomes by reducing recurrent pain and discomfort. The present study is a case-control evaluation of the effects of a 2-day training program for nurse case managers that was designed to facilitate the implementation of workplace accommodations within a workers' compensation health care delivery system. After the training, 101 claimants with compensable upper extremity disorders were randomly assigned to case managers with and without training. Overall, 208 accommodations were recommended and 155 of these were implemented (75%). Claimants of trained nurses received 1.5 times as many recommendations for accommodations as claimants managed by nurses not trained in the process, and 1.4 times as many accommodations were implemented, although no differences were found between the two groups in implementation rates. Trained nurses were more likely to recommend accommodations addressing workstation layout, computer-related improvements, furnishings, accessories, and lifting/carrying aids, whereas the untrained nurses were more likely to suggest light duty and lifting restrictions. This study indicates that the training was associated with a change in the practice behavior of case managers regarding the workplace accommodation process. More research is needed to identify barriers to implementation and develop more effective approaches to facilitate worksite accommodations in disabled workers with carpal tunnel syndrome and other persistent upper extremity disorders.

Hand-arm vibration syndrome: a guide for nurses.

It is estimated that 1.2 million workers are now exposed to hazardous levels of vibration in their work. In the year 1995-1996, over 3,000 new cases of hand-arm vibration syndrome were assessed by the Department of Social Security (DSS) under the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Scheme. Formerly called vibration white finger, it is the most common of all diseases assessed by the DSS, with the majority of workers affected having up to 14 per cent disability. This article explains the syndrome and its management.