Accidents and occupational diseases in the footwear industry of Franca-SP

Abstract

The work world has been undergoing an extraordinary technological advance characterized by the introduction of modern technologies, accelerated automation, microelectronics, which results in new forms of work rationalization and organization and in the increase of work force intensive exploration. This process was marked by the productive restructuration that resulted in higher work intensification and precarization and made the salaries decrease; facts that reflected in the labor relations and conditions. Such changes had a negative influence in workers' health, as the work-related diseases and the number of work-related accidents rose. The shoe sector, known due to its huge job-generation capacity, was also affected by these changes, with consequent losses to its workers' health. Considering all these changes, this research aims to investigate how the workers of shoe production in Franca (SP) have accidents and illnesses at work. The data will be obtained, mainly, by interviews with workers away from job because of job-related accidents and/or illnesses. A survey will be also carried among the employers and employees' trade unions, health professionals and others professionals who could contribute with information about the subject. Statistical data will be searched for in government organisms, trade unions and in the Franca Workers' Health Reference Center (Centro de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador de Franca, CEREST/Franca). Another goal is to subsidize the elaboration of social policies that aim to promote, protect and recuperate workers' health.