Fatal work accidents in Ecuador from 2014 to 2020: How the age of the deceased worker relates to the accidents' temporal and geographical characteristics.

This article analyzes the relationship between the age of male workers deceased in work accidents and temporal (year, month, day of the week, working shifts), geographic (provinces), and economic sector characteristics in which the accidents occurred in Ecuador between 2014 and 2020. Available data on fatal accidents from the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS) were collected. The results, which report both frequencies and proportions (rates), indicate that fatal accidents have decreased in the period, although the average age of deceased workers has increased. No significant differences were found regarding the month, day of the week, and work shift, nor in the frequency of accidents or the age of the deceased workers. However, differences were found in terms of geographical areas and sectors of economic activity. This study contributes to the literature as it is the first to analyze the temporal and geographical characteristics of fatal accidents about the age of the deceased worker.

Jornadas laborales prolongadas y lesiones por accidentes de trabajo: estimaciones de la Primera Encuesta sobre Condiciones de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo en Ecuador / Long working hours and occupational injuries: estimates from the First Survey on Safety and Health Conditions at Work in Ecuador

Objetivo: estimar la relación entre las jornadas de trabajo por semana y las lesiones por accidente de trabajo (LAT) en la población asalariada de la ciudad ecuatoriana de Guayaquil. Métodos: estudio transversal que empleó datos de la Primera Encuesta de Condiciones de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo para el Ecuador en 2017. Los encuestados fueron 1 005 trabajadores asalariados y se dividieron en dos grupos según las horas de trabajo semanales, ?43 y ?44 horas. La relación entre las jornadas laborales prolongadas y LAT por sexo se analizó mediante regresión logística (OR; IC95%) ajustado por características sociodemográficas (Modelo 1) y añadiendo las ocupacionales (Modelo 2). Resultados: El 30,9% de los trabajadores declaró trabajar 44 horas o más a la semana (50,7±6,3 horas) y la frecuencia de LAT en este grupo fue superior en los hombres (24,2%) respecto a las mujeres (12%). Las LAT en jornadas laborales prolongadas aumentaron con la edad en los hombres. Además, la probabilidad de sufrir una LAT fue mayor entre los hombres en comparación con la jornada de trabajo estándar, también para los ajustes del Modelo 1 y del Modelo 2. Conclusiones: Las jornadas laborales prolongadas están asociadas con las LAT en los hombres. En el caso de las mujeres no se observó una asociación estadísticamente significativa. La implementación de medidas preventivas que tomen en cuenta la duración de las jornadas de trabajo en las empresas podría resultar en una reducción de las LAT (AU)

Objective: to estimate the association between weekly working hours and occupational injuries (OI) among the salaried population in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Methods: a cross-sectional study that used data from the First Survey on Safety and Health Conditions at Work in Ecuador in 2017. The respondents were 1005 salaried workers, divid-ed into two groups according to weekly working hours, ≤43 and ≥44 hours. The relationship between long working hours and OI by gender was analyzed by using logistic regression (OR; CI 95%) adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics (Model 1) and also for occupa-tional characteristics (Model 2). Results: 30.9% of the workers declared ≥44 weekly working hours (50.7±6.3 hours) and the OI percentages in this group were higher in men (24.2%) compared to women (12%). OI among those working long hours increased with age in men. In addition, the odds of sustaining an OI were higher among men working long hours as compared to the stan-dard working day (OR = 3.08; 95% CI: 1.87–5.07), for Model 1 settings (OR = 2, 98; 95% CI: 1.79–4.95) and Model 2 (OR = 3.05; 95% CI: 1.82–5.11). Conclusions: Long working hours are associated with OI in men. In the case of women, despite the fact that the frequency of OI was higher in those exposed to long working hours compared to those exposed to standard working hours, no statistically significant associ-ations were observed. Implementation of preventive measures that consider the length of working hours in companies could result in the reduction of OI. (AU)

[Long working hours and occupational injuries: estimates from the First Survey on Safety and Health Conditions at Work in Ecuador]. / Jornadas laborales prolongadas y lesiones por accidentes de trabajo: estimaciones de la Primera Encuesta sobre Condiciones de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo en Ecuador.

OBJECTIVE: to estimate the association between weekly working hours and occupational injuries (OI) among the salaried population in Guayaquil, Ecuador.  Methods: a cross-sectional study that used data from the First Survey on Safety and Health Conditions at Work in Ecuador in 2017. The respondents were 1005 salaried workers, divided into two groups according to weekly working hours, ?43 and ?44 hours. The relationship between long working hours and OI by gender was analyzed by using logistic regression (OR; CI 95%) adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics (Model 1) and also for occupational characteristics (Model 2).  Results: 30.9% of the workers declared ?44 weekly working hours (50.7±6.3 hours) and the OI percentages in this group were higher in men (24.2%) compared to women (12%). OI among those working long hours increased with age in men. In addition, the odds of sustaining an OI were higher among men working long hours as compared to the standard working day (OR = 3.08; 95% CI: 1.87-5.07), for Model 1 settings (OR = 2, 98; 95% CI: 1.79-4.95) and Model 2 (OR = 3.05; 95% CI: 1.82-5.11).  Conclusions: Long working hours are associated with OI in men. In the case of women, despite the fact that the frequency of OI was higher in those exposed to long working hours compared to those exposed to standard working hours, no statistically significant associations were observed. Implementation of preventive measures that consider the length of working hours in companies could result in the reduction of OI.

OBJETIVO: estimar la relación entre las jornadas de trabajo por semana y las lesiones por accidente de trabajo (LAT) en la población asalariada de la ciudad ecuatoriana de Guayaquil.  Métodos: estudio transversal que empleó datos de la Primera Encuesta de Condiciones de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo para el Ecuador en 2017. Los encuestados fueron 1 005 trabajadores asalariados y se dividieron en dos grupos según las horas de trabajo semanales, ?43 y ?44 horas. La relación entre las jornadas laborales prolongadas y LAT por sexo se analizó mediante regresión logística (OR; IC95%) ajustado por características sociodemográficas (Modelo 1) y añadiendo las ocupacionales (Modelo 2). RESULTADOS: El 30,9% de los trabajadores declaró trabajar 44 horas o más a la semana (50,7±6,3 horas) y la frecuencia de LAT en este grupo fue superior en los hombres (24,2%) respecto a las mujeres (12%). Las LAT en jornadas laborales prolongadas aumentaron con la edad en los hombres. Además, la probabilidad de sufrir una LAT fue mayor entre los hombres en comparación con la jornada de trabajo estándar, también para los ajustes del Modelo 1 y del Modelo 2.  Conclusiones: Las jornadas laborales prolongadas están asociadas con las LAT en los hombres. En el caso de las mujeres no se observó una asociación estadísticamente significativa. La implementación de medidas preventivas que tomen en cuenta la duración de las jornadas de trabajo en las empresas podría resultar en una reducción de las LAT.

Association between informal employment and mortality rate by welfare regime in Latin America and the Caribbean: an ecological study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to estimate the association between informal employment and mortality in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) by comparing welfare state regimes. DESIGN: Ecological study using time-series cross-sectional analysis of countries. Informality was estimated from household surveys by the Center for Distributive, Labor and Social Studies in collaboration with the World Bank, and the adult mortality rates for 2000-2016 were obtained from the WHO databases. Countries were grouped by welfare state regimes: state productivist, state protectionist and familialist. We calculated the compound annual growth rate for each country and performed linear regression between the informality and the adult mortality rates stratified by sex and welfare state regime. SETTING: Seventeen countries from LAC with available data on informality and adult mortality rates for 2000-2016. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: The association between informality and mortality by welfare state regime. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2016, mortality rates decreased an average 1.3% per year and informal employment rates 0.5% per year. We found a significant positive association between informality and mortality rates (women: R2=0.48; men: R2=0.36). The association was stronger among the state regime countries (women: R2=0.58; men: R2=0.77), with no significant association among the familialist countries. CONCLUSION: Informal employment negatively impacts population health, which is modified by welfare state regimes. Addressing informal employment could be an effective way to improve population health in LAC. However, linkage with public health and labour market agendas will be necessary.

Monitoring Self-Perceived Occupational Health Inequities in Central America, 2011 and 2018.

Objectives. To analyze changes in occupational health inequity between 2011 and 2018 among workers in Central America. Methods. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews at the workers' homes for the 2 Central America Working Conditions Surveys (n = 12 024 in 2011 and n = 9030 in 2018). We estimated health inequity gaps by means of absolute and relative population attributable risks and the weighted Keppel index. We stratified all analyses by gender. Results. Between 2011 and 2018, the proportion of workers reporting poor self-perceived health decreased both in women (from 32% to 29%) and men (from 33% to 30%). However, the health inequity gaps remained wide in the 4 stratifiers. Measured by the Keppel index, health inequity gaps between countries increased from 22% to 39% in women and from 20% to 29% in men. Conclusions. While health improved between 2011 and 2018, health inequity gaps remained wide. Wider health inequity gaps were observed between countries than by gender, age, occupation, or education. Public Health Implications. This first benchmark of occupational health inequities in Central America could be useful when developing and evaluating the impact of public policies on work.

Health inequity in workers of Latin America and the Caribbean.

BACKGROUND: Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is the world's most inequitable region in terms of wealth distribution. The full scale of social inequalities in health has been hidden by the lack of reliable data. This study aimed to measure and compare health inequalities in the working population within and between 15 countries of LAC. METHODS: A sample of 180,163 workers aged 18 years and older was drawn from the most recent national surveys of working conditions or health in 15 LAC countries. Poor self-perceived health (P-SPH) was used as a health indicator, and age, education level, and occupational category as inequality stratifiers. We calculated four measures: absolute and relative population-attributable risks, the Kuznets and weighted Keppel indexes. RESULTS: P-SPH prevalence ranged from 9% in men from Uruguay to 50% in women from Nicaragua. It was higher in women than in men in most countries. A clear gradient was shown, in which young people in non-manual skilled jobs and high education had the lowest prevalence. Nearly 45% of cases that reported P-SPH among men and 35% among women could be avoided if all the groups received a higher level of education. Also, approximately 42% of P-SPH reported by men and 31% by women could be avoided if they all shared the working and employment conditions of non-manual skilled jobs. CONCLUSIONS: Wide health inequalities were found between occupational and educational groups in LAC. However, country borders appear to be an even more important stratifier in the production of health inequalities. Urgent interventions to improve worker's health are needed in countries where prevalence of poor self-perceived health is high. Strengthening occupational health surveillance system in LAC countries should become a priority, in order to track the interventions to reduce occupational health inequity.

Saúde do trabalhador no Equador: uma comparação com inquéritos sobre condições de trabalho na América Latina / Occupational health in Ecuador: a comparison with Latin-American surveys on working conditions / La salud ocupacional en Ecuador: una comparación con las encuestas sobre condiciones de trabajo en América Latina

Resumo Introdução: o Equador realizou recentemente seu primeiro inquérito sobre condições de trabalho. Objetivo: descrever as condições de trabalho e emprego e o estado de saúde dos trabalhadores equatorianos em uma amostra que permita comparação com inquéritos latino-americanos anteriores. Métodos: uma amostra de 1.713 trabalhadores foi selecionada do primeiro inquérito sobre condições de trabalho no Equador. Prevalências e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%) foram calculados e comparados com inquéritos anteriores na Colômbia, Argentina, Chile, América Central e Uruguai. Resultados: homens foram frequentemente mais expostos a trabalho em condições perigosas, sendo as mais relatadas trabalho com ruído (81% dos homens e 69% das mulheres) e com movimentos repetitivos (56% dos homens e 48% das mulheres). Cerca de 31% dos homens e 19% das mulheres trabalhavam mais de 40 horas por semana. Quase 11% das mulheres e dos homens relataram uma autopercepção de saúde ruim. A prevalência de agravos ocupacionais foi a mais alta da região: 15% para homens e 8,4% para mulheres. Conclusão: este é um primeiro levantamento das condições de trabalho e emprego e do estado de saúde de trabalhadores no Equador. Harmonizar e aperfeiçoar os Inquéritos sobre Condições de Trabalho na América Latina deve ser uma meta prioritária para melhorar a vigilância em saúde do trabalhador na região.

Abstract Introduction: Ecuador has recently implemented its First Working Conditions Survey. Objective: to describe working and employment conditions and workers' health status in Ecuador in a sample that allows comparison with previous Latin American surveys. Methods: a sample of 1,713 workers was drawn from the First Working Conditions Survey in Ecuador. Prevalence and a 95% confidence Interval (95%CI) were calculated and compared with previous Latin American surveys in Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Central America, and Uruguay. Results: men were more often exposed to hazardous working conditions, with noise (81% of men and 69% of women), and repetitive movements (56% and 48%, respectively) being the most frequently reported. About 31% of men and 19% of women worked more than 40 hours per week. Almost 11% of both women and men reported poor self-perceived health status. The prevalence of occupational injury was the highest in the region: 15% for men and 8.4% for women. Conclusions: this is a first approach to the working and employment conditions and workers' health status in Ecuador. To harmonize and improve Working Conditions Surveys in Latin America should be a priority goal for enhancing regional occupational health surveillance.

Resumen Introducción: Ecuador ha realizado recientemente su primera encuesta sobre las condiciones de trabajo. Objetivo: describir las condiciones de trabajo y empleo y el estado de salud de los trabajadores en Ecuador en una muestra que permita la comparación con encuestas anteriores en América Latina. Métodos: se seleccionó una muestra de 1.713 trabajadores de la Primera Encuesta de Condiciones de Trabajo en el Ecuador. Se calculó la prevalencia y el intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC95%) y se comparó con las encuestas anteriores realizadas en América Latina - Colombia, Argentina, Chile, América Central y Uruguay. Resultados: hombres se exponen con mayor frecuencia a condiciones de trabajo peligrosas, siendo las más frecuentes el ruido (81% de los hombres y 69% de las mujeres) y los movimientos repetitivos (56% y 48%, respectivamente). Alrededor del 31% de los hombres y el 19% de las mujeres trabajan más de 40 horas por semana. Casi el 11% de las mujeres y de los hombres reportaron mala salud autopercibida. La prevalencia de lesiones ocupacionales fue la más alta de la región: el 15% para los hombres y el 8,4% para las mujeres. Conclusiones: este es un primer acercamiento a las condiciones de trabajo y empleo y al estado de salud de los trabajadores en el Ecuador. Armonizar y mejorar las Encuestas de Condiciones de Trabajo en América Latina debería ser un objetivo prioritario para mejorar la vigilancia de la salud ocupacional en esta región.

Conflicto empleo-familia y autopercepción de la salud desde una perspectiva de género / Employment-family conflict and self-perception of health from a gender perspective

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las desigualdades de género en la relación del conflicto empleo familia (CEF) con el estado de salud de la población trabajadora de Quito y Guayaquil. Se trata de un estudio transversal de una muestra representativa de la población trabajadora no agrícola, con edad igual o mayor a 18 años y afiliada a la seguridad social, que fue entrevistada entre 2016-2017 en la I Encuesta sobre Condiciones de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo de Quito y Guayaquil (n=1729). Se emplearon modelos de regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta, separados por sexo, para calcular las razones de prevalencia ajustadas de seis indicadores de salud. En ambos sexos, el CEF se asoció con mala salud autopercibida, mala salud mental, dolor o molestias de cabeza y de espalda, aunque la magnitud de asociación fue mayor en las mujeres. Además, en las mujeres el CEF se asoció con problemas digestivos (RPa=1,65; IC 95%: 1,17-2,34). En ninguno de los dos sexos se observó asociación entre el CEF y los accidentes de trabajo. Los resultados del presente estudio muestran que el CEF se asocia con malas condiciones de salud en la población trabajadora, particularmente en las mujeres. Las políticas públicas e intervenciones en los centros de trabajo dirigidas a alcanzar un equilibrio entre el empleo y la vida familiar desde una perspectiva de género podrían resultar en una reducción en los daños a la salud y en las desigualdades de género en salud.

Abstract The objective of this study is to analyze gender inequalities in the relationship between employment-family conflict (EFC) and health status in the working population of Quito and Guayaquil. This is a cross-sectional study of non-agricultural employees, aged 18 or older and covered by social security, who were interviewed between 2016-2017 in the First Survey of Safety Conditions and Health at Work of Quito and Guayaquil (n = 1729). Poisson regression models with robust variance separated by sex were used to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios for six health indicators. In both sexes, EFC was associated with poor self-perceived health, poor mental health, and head or back pain or discomfort, although the magnitude of the association was greater in women. Furthermore, EFC was associated with digestive problems only in women (aPR=1.65; 95% CI: 1.17-2.34). In neither sex was there an association between EFC and occupational accidents. The results of this study show that EFC is associated with poor health conditions in the working population, particularly among women. Public policies and workplace interventions aimed at achieving a balance between employment and family life from a gender perspective could help reduce impairments to health and gender inequalities in health.

I Encuesta sobre Condiciones de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo para Ecuador. Principales resultados en la ciudad de Quito, 2016 / I Survey on Safety and Health Conditions at the Workplace in Ecuador. Main Results in Quito, 2016

OBJETIVO: Describir las condiciones de trabajo y el estado de salud de la población trabajadora afiliada a la seguridad social de la ciudad de Quito, Ecuador. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo basado en los resultados de la Primera Encuesta sobre Condiciones de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo (I-ECSST). Se entrevistó entre abril y junio de 2016 a 741 personas en su domicilio. El diseño muestral fue probabilístico, bietápico y estratificado por las 32 parroquias urbanas de la ciudad de Quito. RESULTADOS: Un porcentaje considerable de los trabajadores estaba expuesto a factores de riesgos ergonómicos. En particular, el 60% de los trabajadores encuestados manifestó realizar movimientos repetitivos en su actividad laboral. Se observó una alta prevalencia de dolores o molestias de espalda (50%), cabeza (40%) y miembros superiores (26%). El 13% de los trabajadores declaró haber sufrido un accidente de trabajo en el último año. CONCLUSIONES: La I-ECSST revela multitud de factores de riesgos laboral presentes en los lugares de trabajo que pueden estar ocasionando daños a la salud de la población trabajadora. Estos resultados podrían servir para guiar a las políticas públicas orientadas a mejorar la salud de la población trabajadora

OBJECTIVE: To describe working conditions and health problems at the working-age population in the Ecuadorian social security system of Quito. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive study based on the results of the First Survey on Safety and Health at Work (I-ECSST, by its Spanish acronym). 741 people were interviewed at home between April and June 2016. The sampling design was probabilistic, multistage and stratified by 32 urban parishes. RESULTS: A considerable proportion of workers were exposed to ergonomic risk factors. In particular, 60% of surveyed workers evidenced repetitive movements throughout their work activity. A high prevalence of pains and problems were evidenced as follows: back (50%), head (40%) and upper limb (26%). 13% of workers reported having suffered a work-related accident in the previous year. CONCLUSIONS: The I-ECSST reveals a multitude of occupational risk factors at workplaces that may be causing damage to the health of the working population. These results could be helpful in guiding public policies in order to improve the health of the working population

Propuesta de indicadores para la vigilancia de la salud ocupacional en América Latina y el Caribe

[RESUMEN]. Este artículo propone un conjunto básico y común de indicadores para la vigilancia en salud ocupacional en América Latina y el Caribe e identifica las fuentes de datos disponibles para su medición. Para ello, se llevó a cabo un proceso de consenso de la Red Experta en Encuestas sobre Condiciones de Trabajo, Empleo y Salud (RED ECoTES) en dos etapas. En la primera etapa, se consensuó un primer listado de indicadores, y en la segunda etapa, se identificaron las fuentes de datos y sus características, con el fin de facilitar la comprobación de la factibilidad del cálculo real de cada indicador en 20 países de la Región. La propuesta del conjunto básico de indicadores, y sus definiciones, está conformado por 13 indicadores distribuidos en cuatro dimensiones: condiciones de empleo (tres indicadores), condiciones de trabajo (cuatro indicadores), recursos y actividades preventivas (dos indicadores) y salud (cuatro indicadores). Las principales fuentes disponibles para calcular estos indicadores en la Región fueron las encuestas permanentes de hogares, las encuestas de condiciones de trabajo, empleo y salud, las estadísticas vitales, y los sistemas de notificación de lesiones por accidentes de trabajo. En la Región existen datos para un número relevante de los indicadores propuestos. Sin embargo, un número importante de aquellos orientados a las condiciones de trabajo y actividades preventivas están ausentes en la mayoría de países. La vigilancia efectiva de la salud ocupacional en la Región exige impulsar decididamente las encuestas sobre condiciones de empleo, trabajo y salud en cada uno de los países que la conforman.

[ABSTRACT]. This article proposes a set of common basic indicators for occupational health surveillance in the region of Latin America and the Caribbean and identifies the sources of data that are available for their measurement. To this end, consensus was built among members of the Expert Network on Working, Employment, and Health Conditions Surveys (RED ECoTES) in two stages. In the first stage, a preliminary list of indicators was agreed upon; in the second stage, data sources and their characteristics were identified to help determine the feasibility of measuring the actual value of each indicator in 20 countries of the region. The proposed set of basic indicators, together with their definitions, is composed of 13 indicators in four areas: employment conditions (three indicators), working conditions (four indicators), resources and preventive activities (two indicators), and health (four indicators). The primary sources of data available in the region for calculating these indicators were: permanent household surveys; surveys on conditions of work, employment, and health; vital statistics; and reporting systems for occupational injuries. Data are available in the region for many of the proposed indicators, but a sizable number of those having to do with working conditions and preventive activities are not available in most countries. For effective occupational health surveillance in the region, surveys on conditions of work, employment, and health must be vigorously promoted in each country.

[RESUMO]. Neste artigo é proposto um conjunto básico de indicadores comuns para vigilância em saúde ocupacional na América Latina e Caribe, com a identificação das fontes de dados disponíveis para mensuração destes indicadores. A Rede Latino-Americana de Especialistas em Inquéritos sobre Condições de Trabalho, Emprego e Saúde (REDE ECoTES) conduziu um processo de decisão por consenso em duas etapas. A primeira etapa consistiu da seleção inicial dos indicadores e a segunda etapa compreendeu a identificação das fontes de dados e suas características, com o propósito de facilitar comprovar a viabilidade do cálculo efetivo de cada indicador em 20 países da Região. É proposto um conjunto básico de indicadores e respectivas definições contendo 13 indicadores distribuídos em quatro dimensões: condições de emprego (três indicadores), condições de trabalho (quatro indicadores) e recursos e atividades de prevenção (dois indicadores) e saúde (quatro indicadores). As principais fontes disponíveis na Região para determinar os indicadores são: as pesquisas permanentes de domicílios, as pesquisas sobre as condições de trabalho, emprego e saúde, as estatísticas vitais e os sistemas de notificação de acidentes de trabalho. Existem dados disponíveis para o cálculo de um número relevante dos indicadores propostos. Porém, a maioria dos países não dispõe de dados para calcular um número importante dos indicadores relacionados às condições de trabalho e atividades de prevenção. A vigilância efetiva em saúde ocupacional requer um firme incentivo às pesquisas sobre as condições de emprego, trabalho e saúde em cada país da Região.

[Proposed indicators for occupational health surveillance in Latin America and the CaribbeanProposta de indicadores para vigilância em saúde ocupacional na América Latina e Caribe]. / Propuesta de indicadores para la vigilancia de la salud ocupacional en América Latina y el Caribe.

This article proposes a set of common basic indicators for occupational health surveillance in the region of Latin America and the Caribbean and identifies the sources of data that are available for their measurement. To this end, consensus was built among members of the Expert Network on Working, Employment, and Health Conditions Surveys (RED ECoTES) in two stages. In the first stage, a preliminary list of indicators was agreed upon; in the second stage, data sources and their characteristics were identified to help determine the feasibility of measuring the actual value of each indicator in 20 countries of the region. The proposed set of basic indicators, together with their definitions, is composed of 13 indicators in four areas: employment conditions (three indicators), working conditions (four indicators), resources and preventive activities (two indicators), and health (four indicators). The primary sources of data available in the region for calculating these indicators were: permanent household surveys; surveys on conditions of work, employment, and health; vital statistics; and reporting systems for occupational injuries. Data are available in the region for many of the proposed indicators, but a sizable number of those having to do with working conditions and preventive activities are not available in most countries. For effective occupational health surveillance in the region, surveys on conditions of work, employment, and health must be vigorously promoted in each country.

Neste artigo é proposto um conjunto básico de indicadores comuns para vigilância em saúde ocupacional na América Latina e Caribe, com a identificação das fontes de dados disponíveis para mensuração destes indicadores. A Rede Latino-Americana de Especialistas em Inquéritos sobre Condições de Trabalho, Emprego e Saúde (REDE ECoTES) conduziu um processo de decisão por consenso em duas etapas. A primeira etapa consistiu da seleção inicial dos indicadores e a segunda etapa compreendeu a identificação das fontes de dados e suas características, com o propósito de facilitar comprovar a viabilidade do cálculo efetivo de cada indicador em 20 países da Região. É proposto um conjunto básico de indicadores e respectivas definições contendo 13 indicadores distribuídos em quatro dimensões: condições de emprego (três indicadores), condições de trabalho (quatro indicadores) e recursos e atividades de prevenção (dois indicadores) e saúde (quatro indicadores). As principais fontes disponíveis na Região para determinar os indicadores são: as pesquisas permanentes de domicílios, as pesquisas sobre as condições de trabalho, emprego e saúde, as estatísticas vitais e os sistemas de notificação de acidentes de trabalho. Existem dados disponíveis para o cálculo de um número relevante dos indicadores propostos. Porém, a maioria dos países não dispõe de dados para calcular um número importante dos indicadores relacionados às condições de trabalho e atividades de prevenção. A vigilância efetiva em saúde ocupacional requer um firme incentivo às pesquisas sobre as condições de emprego, trabalho e saúde em cada país da Região.

Propuesta de indicadores para la vigilancia de la salud ocupacional en América Latina y el Caribe / Proposed indicators for occupational health surveillance in Latin America and the Caribbean / Proposta de indicadores para vigilância em saúde ocupacional na América Latina e Caribe

RESUMEN Este artículo propone un conjunto básico y común de indicadores para la vigilancia en salud ocupacional en América Latina y el Caribe e identifica las fuentes de datos disponibles para su medición. Para ello, se llevó a cabo un proceso de consenso de la Red Experta en Encuestas sobre Condiciones de Trabajo, Empleo y Salud (RED ECoTES) en dos etapas. En la primera etapa, se consensuó un primer listado de indicadores, y en la segunda etapa, se identificaron las fuentes de datos y sus características, con el fin de facilitar la comprobación de la factibilidad del cálculo real de cada indicador en 20 países de la Región. La propuesta del conjunto básico de indicadores, y sus definiciones, está conformado por 13 indicadores distribuidos en cuatro dimensiones: condiciones de empleo (tres indicadores), condiciones de trabajo (cuatro indicadores), recursos y actividades preventivas (dos indicadores) y salud (cuatro indicadores). Las principales fuentes disponibles para calcular estos indicadores en la Región fueron las encuestas permanentes de hogares, las encuestas de condiciones de trabajo, empleo y salud, las estadísticas vitales, y los sistemas de notificación de lesiones por accidentes de trabajo. En la Región existen datos para un número relevante de los indicadores propuestos. Sin embargo, un número importante de aquellos orientados a las condiciones de trabajo y actividades preventivas están ausentes en la mayoría de países. La vigilancia efectiva de la salud ocupacional en la Región exige impulsar decididamente las encuestas sobre condiciones de empleo, trabajo y salud en cada uno de los países que la conforman.

ABSTRACT This article proposes a set of common basic indicators for occupational health surveillance in the region of Latin America and the Caribbean and identifies the sources of data that are available for their measurement. To this end, consensus was built among members of the Expert Network on Working, Employment, and Health Conditions Surveys (RED ECoTES) in two stages. In the first stage, a preliminary list of indicators was agreed upon; in the second stage, data sources and their characteristics were identified to help determine the feasibility of measuring the actual value of each indicator in 20 countries of the region. The proposed set of basic indicators, together with their definitions, is composed of 13 indicators in four areas: employment conditions (three indicators), working conditions (four indicators), resources and preventive activities (two indicators), and health (four indicators). The primary sources of data available in the region for calculating these indicators were: permanent household surveys; surveys on conditions of work, employment, and health; vital statistics; and reporting systems for occupational injuries. Data are available in the region for many of the proposed indicators, but a sizable number of those having to do with working conditions and preventive activities are not available in most countries. For effective occupational health surveillance in the region, surveys on conditions of work, employment, and health must be vigorously promoted in each country.

RESUMO Neste artigo é proposto um conjunto básico de indicadores comuns para vigilância em saúde ocupacional na América Latina e Caribe, com a identificação das fontes de dados disponíveis para mensuração destes indicadores. A Rede Latino-Americana de Especialistas em Inquéritos sobre Condições de Trabalho, Emprego e Saúde (REDE ECoTES) conduziu um processo de decisão por consenso em duas etapas. A primeira etapa consistiu da seleção inicial dos indicadores e a segunda etapa compreendeu a identificação das fontes de dados e suas características, com o propósito de facilitar comprovar a viabilidade do cálculo efetivo de cada indicador em 20 países da Região. É proposto um conjunto básico de indicadores e respectivas definições contendo 13 indicadores distribuídos em quatro dimensões: condições de emprego (três indicadores), condições de trabalho (quatro indicadores) e recursos e atividades de prevenção (dois indicadores) e saúde (quatro indicadores). As principais fontes disponíveis na Região para determinar os indicadores são: as pesquisas permanentes de domicílios, as pesquisas sobre as condições de trabalho, emprego e saúde, as estatísticas vitais e os sistemas de notificação de acidentes de trabalho. Existem dados disponíveis para o cálculo de um número relevante dos indicadores propostos. Porém, a maioria dos países não dispõe de dados para calcular um número importante dos indicadores relacionados às condições de trabalho e atividades de prevenção. A vigilância efetiva em saúde ocupacional requer um firme incentivo às pesquisas sobre as condições de emprego, trabalho e saúde em cada país da Região.

Tendencias de los accidentes de tránsito en Ecuador: 2000-2015 / Trends in Traffic Accidents in Ecuador: 2000-2015 / Tendências em acidentes de trânsito no Equador: 2000-2015

Resumen Introducción: Los accidentes de tránsito constituyen un problema prioritario en salud pública a escala mundial, principalmente en los países de Latinoamérica, por ser una de las primeras causas de mortalidad en la región. Objetivo: Estudiar la evolución y tendencia de los accidentes de tránsito en Ecuador en el periodo del 2000 al 2015. Método: Estudio ecológico a partir de fuentes secundarias de información oficiales. Se presentan los resultados de las tasas de mortalidad poblacional por accidentes de tránsito y los índices de motorización, accidentabilidad, lesividad y letalidad, con el objeto de comparar las variaciones temporales en el periodo de estudio. Resultados: La tasa de mortalidad poblacional presentó una tendencia al aumento en el periodo de estudio y correlacionada con los índices de motorización y lesividad (p<0.01). Conclusiones: Se requiere un mayor esfuerzo para optimizar las actividades destinadas al cumplimiento de las normas legales de tránsito y educación vial para la población ecuatoriana.

Abstract Introduction: Traffic accidents are a priority problem in public health worldwide, mainly in Latin American countries, as it is one of the leading mortality causes in the region. Objective: To study the evolution and trend of traffic accidents in Ecuador in the period from 2000 to 2015. Method: An ecological study based on secondary official information sources. The results of the population mortality rates due to traffic accidents are presented, as well as motorization, accident, harmfulness, and fatality rates, in order to compare the temporal variations in the study period. Results: The population mortality rate showed an increasing tendency in the study period and correlated with motorization and harmfulness indexes (p <0.01). Conclusions: A greater effort is required to optimize the activities aimed at the compliance of the legal traffic laws and towards road safety education for the Ecuadorian population.

Resumo Introdução: Os acidentes de trânsito constituem um problema prioritário em saúde pública na escala mundial, principalmente nos países de Latino-américa, como uma das primeiras causas de mortalidade na região. Objetivo: Estudar a evolução e tendência dos acidentes de trânsito no Equador no 2000 a 2015. Método: Estudo ecológico a partir de fontes secundárias de informação oficiais. Apresentam-se resultados das taxas de mortalidade populacional por acidentes de trânsito e os índices de motorização, acidentalidade, lesividade e letalidade, com o objeto de comparar as variações temporais no período de estudo. Resultados: A taxa de mortalidade populacional apresentou tendência a aumentar no período de estudo e correlacionada com os índices de motorização e lesividade (p<0.01). Conclusões: Requere-se maior esforço para otimizar as atividades destinadas ao cumprimento das regulamentações legais de trânsito e educação para a população equatoriana.

Work and health in Latin America: results from the working conditions surveys of Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Central America and Uruguay.

OBJECTIVE: To describe working and employment conditions, and health status between non-agricultural employees with a written contract from Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Central America and Uruguay. METHODS: We compared data from the first working condition surveys (WCS) of Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Central America and Uruguay. For comparative purposes, we selected a subsample of 15 241 non-agricultural employees aged 18-64 years and working with a written contract. We calculated prevalences and 95% CIs for the selected variables on working and employment conditions, and health status, separated by sex. RESULTS: Across all countries, at least 40% of women and 58% of men worked >40 hours a week. The most prevalent exposures were repetitive movements, followed by noise and manual handling, especially among men. Psychosocial exposures were very common among both sexes. Workers in Chile (33.4% of women and 16.6% of men) and Central America (24.3% of women and 19.1% of men) were more likely to report poor self-perceived health and were least likely to do so in Colombia (5.5% of women and 4.2% of men). The percentage of workers reporting occupational injuries was <10% across all countries. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides, for the first time, a broad picture of work and health in different Latin American countries, based on the national WCSs available. This allows for a better understanding of occupational health and could serve as a baseline for future research and surveillance of work and health in the Region. However, greater efforts are needed to improve WCSs comparability.

[Basic questionnaire and methodological criteria for Surveys on Working Conditions, Employment, and Health in Latin America and the Caribbean]. / Cuestionario básico y criterios metodológicos para las Encuestas sobre Condiciones de Trabajo, Empleo y Salud en América Latina y el Caribe.

This article aimed to present a basic questionnaire and minimum methodological criteria for consideration in future Surveys on Working Conditions, Employment, and Health in Latin America and the Caribbean. A virtual and face-to-face consensus process was conducted with participation by a group of international experts who used the surveys available up until 2013 as the point of departure for defining the proposal. The final questionnaire included 77 questions grouped in six dimensions: socio-demographic characteristics of workers and companies; employment conditions; working conditions; health status; resources and preventive activities; and family characteristics. The minimum methodological criteria feature the interviewee's home as the place for the interview and aspects related to the quality of the fieldwork. These results can help improve the comparability of future surveys in Latin America and the Caribbean, which would in turn help improve information on workers' heath in the region.

Cuestionario básico y criterios metodológicos para las Encuestas sobre Condiciones de Trabajo, Empleo y Salud en América Latina y el Caribe / Basic questionnaire and methodological criteria for Surveys on Working Conditions, Employment, and Health in Latin America and the Caribbean / Questionário básico e critérios metodológicos para as Pesquisas sobre Condições de Trabalho, Emprego e Saúde na América Latina e Caribe

Resumen: El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar un cuestionario básico y criterios metodológicos mínimos, para ser considerados en futuras Encuestas sobre Condiciones de Trabajo, Empleo y Salud (ECTES) en América Latina y el Caribe. Para ello, se llevó a cabo un proceso de consenso, tanto virtual como presencial, con la participación de un grupo internacional de expertos que, para definir la propuesta, partieron de las encuestas disponibles en la región hasta 2013. El cuestionario final incluyó 77 preguntas agrupadas en seis dimensiones: características sociodemográficas del trabajador y la empresa; condiciones de empleo; condiciones de trabajo; estado de salud; recursos y actividades preventivas; y características familiares. Entre los criterios metodológicos mínimos destacan el domicilio de la persona entrevistada como lugar de la entrevista y los relacionados con la calidad del trabajo de campo. Estos resultados pueden ayudar a mejorar la comparabilidad de las futuras ECTES en América Latina y el Caribe, lo que contribuiría a mejorar la información en salud laboral en la región.

Abstract: This article aimed to present a basic questionnaire and minimum methodological criteria for consideration in future Surveys on Working Conditions, Employment, and Health in Latin America and the Caribbean. A virtual and face-to-face consensus process was conducted with participation by a group of international experts who used the surveys available up until 2013 as the point of departure for defining the proposal. The final questionnaire included 77 questions grouped in six dimensions: socio-demographic characteristics of workers and companies; employment conditions; working conditions; health status; resources and preventive activities; and family characteristics. The minimum methodological criteria feature the interviewee's home as the place for the interview and aspects related to the quality of the fieldwork. These results can help improve the comparability of future surveys in Latin America and the Caribbean, which would in turn help improve information on workers' heath in the region.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar um questionário básico e critérios metodológicos mínimos, para serem considerados em futuras pesquisas sobre Condições de Trabalho, Emprego e Saúde (ECTES) na América Latina e Caribe. Para tal, foi realizado um processo de consenso, tanto virtual como presencial, com a participação de um grupo internacional de expertos que, para definir a proposta, partiram das pesquisas disponíveis na região até 2013. O questionário final incluiu 77 perguntas agrupadas em seis dimensões: características sociodemográficas do trabalhador e a empresa; condições de emprego; condições de trabalho; estado de saúde; recursos e atividades preventivas; assim como características familiares. Entre os critérios metodológicos mínimos destacam-se o domicílio da pessoa entrevistada como lugar da entrevista e os relacionados com a qualidade do trabalho de campo. Estes resultados podem ajudar a melhorar a comparabilidade das futuras ECTES na América Latina e Caribe, o que contribuiria para melhorar a informação sobre saúde do trabalhador na região.

National working conditions surveys in Latin America: comparison of methodological characteristics.

BACKGROUND: High-quality and comparable data to monitor working conditions and health in Latin America are not currently available. In 2007, multiple Latin American countries started implementing national working conditions surveys. However, little is known about their methodological characteristics. OBJECTIVE: To identify commonalities and differences in the methodologies of working conditions surveys (WCSs) conducted in Latin America through 2013. METHODS: The study critically examined WCSs in Latin America between 2007 and 2013. Sampling design, data collection, and questionnaire content were compared. RESULTS: Two types of surveys were identified: (1) surveys covering the entire working population and administered at the respondent's home and (2) surveys administered at the workplace. There was considerable overlap in the topics covered by the dimensions of employment and working conditions measured, but less overlap in terms of health outcomes, prevention resources, and activities. CONCLUSIONS: Although WCSs from Latin America are similar, there was heterogeneity across surveyed populations and location of the interview. Reducing differences in surveys between countries will increase comparability and allow for a more comprehensive understanding of occupational health in the region.