Descriptive analysis of serious accidents at work related to artisan fishermen in Brazil

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Artisanal fishing is a complex and popular activity. The most common occupational accidents among fishermen include: drowning; injury from sharps, as well as accidents with land and sea animals. OBJECTIVE To describe the number of serious accidents related to the work of artisanal fishermen in the country. METHODS This is a descriptive and surveillance study of the sample of serious accidents related to the work of artisanal fishermen. The analysis was performed through the Information System of Diseases and Notifications (SINAN), from 2014 to 2016. The research variables were: sociodemographic data and characteristics of the accident. RESULTS 216 cases were found in SINAN. The profile of the fishermen-related serious accident victims was male workers, average age was 42, non-white, low-educated, native of Bahia, with no information on working time, working informally. Many accidents occurred on public roads, in the afternoon, almost all accidents registered had medical attention, the involvement was: upper limb (35.3%); lower limbs (14.8%); more than one member (12%). Most did not report accident at work (41.6%). CONCLUSION: It was observed a profile of male workers, mostly residents of northeastern states, who studied to the elementary level and without professional registration. A large number of underreporting of information was found mainly regarding working time.