[The work process and occupational health risks in a cement factory].
The authors evaluate the work process and its effect on workers' health in a cement factory in the State of Rio de Janeiro. The interactive methodology consisted of different approaches to assessing the workplace through the incorporation of various institutions working in the field of Workers' Health, professionals from different backgrounds, and the trade union, valorizing the workers' experience and actively contributing to the surveillance process under the Unified National Health System (SUS). Levels of particulate matter and noise were measured. The mean level of free crystalline silica in the particulate matter was 2%, resulting in a tolerance limit as specified under Brazilian legislation (NR-15), or 2.0mg/m3. The concentration of particles both in samples collected in the workers' respiratory zone and in area samples varied from 3.59 to 52.44mg/m3. Noise varied from 83dB to 110dB. The majority of the values were higher than the maximum limits set by Brazilian legislation. These results, together with the opinions expressed by the workers themselves, showed an unhealthy workplace and work process, placing the workers' health at risk.
Ribeiro
Fátima Sueli Neto
FS
Programa de Saúde do Trabalhador, Secretaria de Estado de Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20031-142, Brasil.
Oliveira
Simone
S
Reis
Marcelo Moreno dos
MM
Silva
Célia Regina Sousa da
CR
Menezes
Marco Antônio Carneiro
MA
Dias
Ana Elisa Xavier de Oliveira e
AE
Moreira
Josino Costa
JC
Kuryiama
Gisele Sayuri
GS
D001938:Brazil; D003252:Construction Materials; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis*; D019652:Extraction and Processing Industry; D006801:Humans; D008452:Maximum Allowable Concentration; D009623:Noise, Occupational; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D016272:Occupational Health; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis*; D017132:Workplace
D004391:Dust; D012822:Silicon Dioxide