ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the distribution and association of sociodemographic and occupational factors with self-reported work accidents (WA) in a representative sample of the Brazilian population, with emphasis on occupational class, and to examine gender differences in this distribution.

METHODS

A population-based cross-sectional study, using data from the 2019 National Health Survey (PNS), analyzed the responses of a sample of adults aged 18 or over. Factors associated with WA were investigated using binary logistic regression and hierarchical analysis using blocks (sociodemographic and occupational variables). The final model was adjusted by variables from all blocks, adopting a significance level of 5%. The values of odds ratios (OR) and respective confidence intervals were obtained.

RESULTS

Among the participants, 2.69% reported having suffered a WA, with a higher prevalence in men (3.37%; 95%CI 2.97–3.82%) than in women (1.86%; 95%CI 1.55–2.23%). The analysis identified that age group, night work, working hours, and exposure to occupational risks were associated with WA, with emphasis on gender differences. The class of manual workers, both qualified (OR_women = 2.87; 95%CI 1.33–6.21 and OR_men = 2.46; 95%CI 1.37–4.40) and unskilled (OR_women = 2.55; 95%CI 1.44–4.50 and OR_men = 3.70; 95%CI 1.95–7.03), had a higher chance of WA than the class of managers/professionals.

CONCLUSION

Occupational factors contributed significantly to the increase in the probability of WA for men and women, with greater magnitude among those positioned in the lower strata of the occupational structure. The results obtained are clues for working out WA prevention actions.

Accidents, Occupational; Gender; Sociodemographic Factors; Risk Factors; Health Surveys

INTRODUCTION

There is a convergence between schooling, income, and the place occupied by the individual in the occupational structure, which reflects on the type, outcome and intensity of the activities carried out by male and female workers. Determined by economic and political processes, the occupational structure represents the idea of a society that hierarchizes and discriminates between occupations¹1. Ribeiro CAC, Carvalhaes F. Estratificação e mobilidade social no Brasil: uma revisão da literatura na sociologia de 2000 a 2018. BIB. 2020;(92):1-461. https://dx.doi.org/10.17666/bib9207/2020
https://dx.doi.org/10.17666/bib9207/2020... . It is known that, in the lower classes of the structure, mortality rates are generally higher, as well as worse health outcomes, compared to classes positioned on the upper floors²2. Siegrist J. Work and health inequalities. In: Hoffmann R, editor. Handbook of health inequalities across the life course. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar; 2023. p. 172-87.,³3. Connelly R, Gayle V, Lambert PS. A review of occupation-based social classifications for social survey research. Methodol Innov. 2016;9: https://doi.org/10.1177/2059799116638003
https://doi.org/10.1177/2059799116638003... . The nature of the activities and the conditions under which the work is carried out are specific to each class, explaining, at least in part, health inequalities⁴4. Cordeiro R. A inadequação da classificação oficial dos acidentes de trabalho no Brasil. Cad Saude Publica. 2018 Feb;34(2):e00173016. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x00173016
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x0017301... ,⁵5. Biswas A, Harbin S, Irvin E, Johnston H, Begum M, Tiong M, et al. Differences between men and women in their risk of work injury and disability: A systematic review. Am J Ind Med. 2022 Jul;65(7):576-88. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23364
https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23364... .

Firstly, access to employment depends on the level of education²2. Siegrist J. Work and health inequalities. In: Hoffmann R, editor. Handbook of health inequalities across the life course. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar; 2023. p. 172-87.. Secondly, in occupations with lower education/qualification requirements, individuals have a greater chance of being exposed to unhealthy and dangerous environments, culminating in a higher prevalence of work accidents (WA)⁶6. Niedhammer I, Lesuffleur T, Labarthe G, Chastang JF. Role of working conditions in the explanation of occupational inequalities in work injury: findings from the national French SUMER survey. BMC Public Health. 2018 Mar;18(1):344. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5254-7
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5254-... ,⁷7. Ronda-Perez E, Gosslin A, Martínez JM, Reid A. Injury vulnerability in Spain. Examination of risk among migrant and native workers. Saf Sci. 2019;115:36-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2019.01.026
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2019.01.0... . Thirdly, previous results showed that the effects of risks are not identical when comparing occupational groups⁶6. Niedhammer I, Lesuffleur T, Labarthe G, Chastang JF. Role of working conditions in the explanation of occupational inequalities in work injury: findings from the national French SUMER survey. BMC Public Health. 2018 Mar;18(1):344. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5254-7
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5254-... .

WA are sudden events, resulting from unnatural causes, that occur in the work environment during the exercise of activities by the worker, causing bodily injuries or functional disturbances. Considered a public health problem, they are a source of morbidity and mortality and can lead to work incapacity and early exit from the workforce⁴4. Cordeiro R. A inadequação da classificação oficial dos acidentes de trabalho no Brasil. Cad Saude Publica. 2018 Feb;34(2):e00173016. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x00173016
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x0017301... ,⁸8. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Coordenação Geral de Desenvolvimento da Epidemiologia em Serviços. Guia de vigilância em saúde. Brasília, DF: Ministério da Saúde; 2022 [cited 2023 Apr 27]. Available from: https://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/publicacoes/guia_vigilancia_saude_5ed_rev_atual.pdf
https://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/publicaco... . In addition to pain and suffering for the victims, these events generate social security costs, health service expenses, and social and financial burdens for society as a whole⁹9. Galdino A, Santana VS, Ferrite S. Fatores associados à qualidade de registros de acidentes de trabalho no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade no Brasil. Cad Saude Publica. 2019 Dec;36(1):e00218318. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x00218318
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x0021831... ,¹⁰10. Malta DC, Bernal RT, de Vasconcelos NM, Ribeiro AP, Vasconcelos LL, Machado EL. Acidentes no deslocamento e no trabalho entre brasileiros ocupados, Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013 e 2019. Rev Bras Epidemiol. 2023;26(1): https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-549720230006
https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-54972023000... .

Within the scope of investigations into the distribution of WA based on occupational structure, research brings enlightening perspectives. Although recent results in Brazil focus on local studies⁹9. Galdino A, Santana VS, Ferrite S. Fatores associados à qualidade de registros de acidentes de trabalho no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade no Brasil. Cad Saude Publica. 2019 Dec;36(1):e00218318. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x00218318
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x0021831... ,¹¹11. Rodrigues AB, Santana VS. Acidentes de trabalho fatais em Palmas, Tocantins, Brasil: oportunidades perdidas de informação. Rev Bras Saude Ocup. 2019;44:e8. https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-6369000017817
https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-63690000178... , many targeting specific categories¹²12. Zago AM, Meucci RD, Fiori N, Carret ML, Faria NM, Fassa AG. Prevalência e fatores associados à acidente de trabalho em fumicultores do Município de São Lourenço do Sul, RS, Brasil. Cien Saude Colet. 2018;23:1353-13. 62. https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018235.13172016
https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018235... , a more comprehensive view is possible.

A more complete approach to inequalities in WA requires the incorporation of gender differences in the analyses, so that it is important to clarify the connection between sex and gender, as suggested by authors who study the links between work and health¹³13. Milner A, King T, LaMontagne AD, Bentley R, Kavanagh A. Men's work, Women's work, and mental health: A longitudinal investigation of the relationship between the gender composition of occupations and mental health. Soc Sci Med. 2018 May;204:16-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.03.020
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2018... . Sex concerns biological factors, including chromosomal and hormonal. In turn, gender refers to the expectations and socially constructed roles considered appropriate to men or women¹⁴14. Gupta GR, Oomman N, Grown C, Conn K, Hawkes S, Shawar YR, et al. Gender equality and gender norms: framing the opportunities for health. Lancet. 2019 Jun;393(10190):2550-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736 (19)30651-8
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736 (19)3... . This type of role assignment shapes experiences and inequalities in access to resources and opportunities. For example, the distribution between men and women of time allocated to work and domestic activities remains unbalanced, despite the increase in women’s participation in the labor market¹⁵15. Vaz DV, Botassio DC. Occupational feminization and pay: the case of Brazil. Braz Rev Econom. 2023;42(1):e0220221. https://doi.org/10.12660/bre.v42n12022.85018
https://doi.org/10.12660/bre.v42n12022.8... .

In this sense, this study aims to analyze the distribution and association of sociodemographic and occupational factors with self-reported work accidents in a representative sample of the Brazilian population, with an emphasis on occupational class, as well as examining gender differences in this distribution.

METHODS

Study Design, Data Source and Sample Population

The cross-sectional study analyzed secondary data from the 2019 National Health Survey (PNS)¹⁶16. Stopa SR, Szwarcwald CL, Oliveira MM, Gouvea EC, Vieira ML, Freitas MP, et al. Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2019: histórico, métodos e perspectivas. Epidemiol Serv Saude. 2020 Oct;29(5):e2020315. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1679-49742020000500004
https://doi.org/10.1590/s1679-4974202000... ,¹⁷17. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2019. [cited 2022 July 1]. Available from: https://www.ibge.gov.br/estatisticas/sociais/saude.html
https://www.ibge.gov.br/estatisticas/soc... . PNS probabilistic sampling, representative of the Brazilian population aged 15 or over, was carried out through a three-stage conglomerate process, including stratification of primary sampling units. In the first stage, the census sectors, or sets of sectors constituting the primary sampling units, were selected. In the second stage, households were selected. For the third stage, in each household, one resident was randomly selected to answer the individual questionnaire. Details about the sampling process, design and implementation of the PNS 2019 are published¹⁶16. Stopa SR, Szwarcwald CL, Oliveira MM, Gouvea EC, Vieira ML, Freitas MP, et al. Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2019: histórico, métodos e perspectivas. Epidemiol Serv Saude. 2020 Oct;29(5):e2020315. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1679-49742020000500004
https://doi.org/10.1590/s1679-4974202000... .

For the analyses of this study, employed people (among the selected residents) aged 18 years or over, who answered the questionnaire module referring to the characteristics of work and social support (Module M), were considered eligible. Military personnel, employers, and people who take care of domestic tasks at home or for people close to them were excluded. After removing those who were ineligible, a total sample of 50,056 individuals was obtained who answered all the questions of interest in this research.

Study Variables

The outcome variable WA, of the dichotomous type, was obtained through the answer to question O21, of module O of the PNS 2019, “In the last twelve months, have you been involved in an accident at work (without considering traffic accidents and/or in commuting to work)?”

The first block of independent variables concerns the following sociodemographic factors: sex (man, woman), age group (18–29 years, 30–39 years, 40–49 years, 50–59 years, and ≥ 60 years), level of education (higher, secondary, elementary, and no schooling), race/color (white, black, mixed, and others). Occupational factors constitute the second block, as follows: night work (yes, no), weekly working hours (less than 40 hours, between 40 and 44 hours, and over 44 hours), exposure to occupational risks, i.e. exposure to chemical, physical, or biological risks at work (yes, no). Occupational classes were defined based on the answer to question E12 “What was your occupation (position or function) in that job?”.

Classification of occupations is a method that allows organizing occupational groups defined according to income, education, type, and demand of the tasks performed. Indicators based on occupational classes capture the effects of these factors on workers’ health and safety²2. Siegrist J. Work and health inequalities. In: Hoffmann R, editor. Handbook of health inequalities across the life course. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar; 2023. p. 172-87.,⁶6. Niedhammer I, Lesuffleur T, Labarthe G, Chastang JF. Role of working conditions in the explanation of occupational inequalities in work injury: findings from the national French SUMER survey. BMC Public Health. 2018 Mar;18(1):344. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5254-7
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5254-... ,¹⁸18. Gonzalez-Delgado M, Gómez-Dantés H, Fernández-Niño JA, Robles E, Borja VH, Aguilar M. Factors associated with fatal occupational accidents among Mexican workers: a national analysis. PLoS One. 2015 Mar;10(3):e0121490. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0121490
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.012... . The Classificação Brasileira de Ocupações (CBO – Brazilian Classification of Occupations)¹⁹19. Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego (BR). CBO - Classificação Brasileira de Ocupações. Brasília, DF: Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego; 2010 [cited 2023 Apr 28]. Available from: http://www.mtecbo.gov.br/cbosite/pages/home.jsf
http://www.mtecbo.gov.br/cbosite/pages/h... is in line with the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) prepared by the International Labor Organization (ILO)²⁰20. International Labour Organization. International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO). 2023 [citado 2023 Apr 21]. Available from: https://ilostat.ilo.org/resources/concepts-and-definitions/classification-occupation/
https://ilostat.ilo.org/resources/concep... to facilitate the production of information about employment and workers in different countries. The classification criteria and terminology used at ISCO to define and name occupations are widely discussed and publicized, in order to guide decision-making and the development of specific actions and programs, as well as support research²⁰20. International Labour Organization. International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO). 2023 [citado 2023 Apr 21]. Available from: https://ilostat.ilo.org/resources/concepts-and-definitions/classification-occupation/
https://ilostat.ilo.org/resources/concep... . The current version of the ISCO considers the level of competence as the basic criterion to define the system that incorporates large occupational groups, main subgroups, and base subgroups and groups (occupational families). In this context, the CBO defines competence as “a function of the complexity, breadth and responsibility of the activities carried out in employment or another type of employment relationship”¹⁹19. Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego (BR). CBO - Classificação Brasileira de Ocupações. Brasília, DF: Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego; 2010 [cited 2023 Apr 28]. Available from: http://www.mtecbo.gov.br/cbosite/pages/home.jsf
http://www.mtecbo.gov.br/cbosite/pages/h... . The assessment of a competence is operational, as it considers the nature of the work specific to that occupation, the education required to perform that task, and the specific training or previous experience, which would promote the development of the relevant skills²⁰20. International Labour Organization. International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO). 2023 [citado 2023 Apr 21]. Available from: https://ilostat.ilo.org/resources/concepts-and-definitions/classification-occupation/
https://ilostat.ilo.org/resources/concep... .

The alternative answers about occupation that appear in the PNS questionnaire are based on the Classification of Occupations for Household Surveys (COD), which is an adaptation of the CBO for household surveys by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE)²¹21. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Metodologia do censo demográfico 2010. 2013 [cited 2023 Apr 21]. (Série Relatórios metodológicos, v. 41). Available from: https://ftp.ibge.gov.br/Censos/Censo_Demografico_2010/metodologia/metodologia_censo_dem_2010.pdf
https://ftp.ibge.gov.br/Censos/Censo_Dem... .

In this study, the composition of six categories (Chart) was used, representing the ten major occupational groups of the COD. This strategy has the advantage of avoiding an excess of variables that would cause problems in the estimates of statistical studies³3. Connelly R, Gayle V, Lambert PS. A review of occupation-based social classifications for social survey research. Methodol Innov. 2016;9: https://doi.org/10.1177/2059799116638003
https://doi.org/10.1177/2059799116638003... . This composition was suggested in the Socioeconomic Status of Occupations Scale, developed by Pastore e Silva²²22. Pastore J, Silva NV. Mobilidade social no Brasil. São Paulo: Makron; 2000. Chapter 2, A metodologia básica da mobilidade social. v. 2, p. 20-1., which is widespread in Brazil as it combines individual educational and economic positions within a specific occupational class. In this typology, the distinction between manual and non-manual work is an attempt to capture the discrimination resulting from the social structure and the degree of prestige granted to different professions¹1. Ribeiro CAC, Carvalhaes F. Estratificação e mobilidade social no Brasil: uma revisão da literatura na sociologia de 2000 a 2018. BIB. 2020;(92):1-461. https://dx.doi.org/10.17666/bib9207/2020
https://dx.doi.org/10.17666/bib9207/2020... ,³3. Connelly R, Gayle V, Lambert PS. A review of occupation-based social classifications for social survey research. Methodol Innov. 2016;9: https://doi.org/10.1177/2059799116638003
https://doi.org/10.1177/2059799116638003... ,²²22. Pastore J, Silva NV. Mobilidade social no Brasil. São Paulo: Makron; 2000. Chapter 2, A metodologia básica da mobilidade social. v. 2, p. 20-1..

Statistical analysis

All WA analyses were carried out with attention to the characteristics of the complex PNS 2019 sample. Thus, the expansion factors or sample weights of the households and all their residents, as well as the resident selected for the interview, were considered. All calculations were performed with the help of Stata 16.0 software. First, a descriptive analysis of the sample was carried out with all variables of interest. Differences in proportions were estimated using Pearson’s chi-square test, considering a p-value < 0.05. Prevalence was calculated with respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The association between self-reported work accidents and independent variables was analyzed using binary logistic regression. The unadjusted and adjusted analyses were performed with a sample stratified by sex.

All variables with a p-value lower than 0.20 from the unadjusted analysis were included in the adjusted analysis. For the multivariable model, a hierarchical model was established with the inclusion of two different blocks: the first composed of sociodemographic variables and the second, occupational variables. The backward method was used for selecting variables, with only those significant at the 5% level remaining at the end. The magnitude of the association was estimated using the odds ratio (OR) with the respective 95%CI in all phases of the analysis.

The goodness of fit of the models was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Possible interactions between the variables that remained in the final model were tested. After defining the models, predictive calculations by occupational class were carried out for men and women, according to two distinct profiles: the first composed of characteristics with a greater chance of WA and the second with characteristics with a lower chance.

RESULTS

Two million and forty-eight thousand Brazilian workers aged 18 or over reported having suffered a WA from 2018 to 2019, which corresponds to 2.69% (95%CI 2.42–2.98%) of the analyzed sample. The highest prevalence was observed among men compared to women, 3.37% (95%CI 2.97–3.82%) and 1.86% (95%CI 1.55–2.23%), respectively. Differences in the prevalence of WA were observed for the variables, according to gender (Table 1).

In the unadjusted analysis, all independent variables were maintained (p < 0.20) and, therefore, taken for adjusted analysis for both sexes (Tables 2 and 3). In the final model adjusted for women, the variables age group, occupational classes, night work, working hours, and exposure to occupational risks remained associated with the outcome (Table 2). Greater chances of WA were observed among workers positioned in the qualified manual class (OR = 2.87; 95%CI 1.33–6.21) as compared to the class of managers and professionals. Greater chances of WA were found among women with self-reported working hours between 40 and 44 hours per week (OR = 1.87; 95%CI 1.20–2.90) and working hours greater than 44 hours per week (OR = 1.58; 95%CI 1.00–2.49), compared to women who self-reported working less than 40 hours per week. The model identified greater chances of WA among those who reported working night shifts (OR = 1.59; 95%CI 1.00–2.56). It is worth highlighting the interaction between age group and exposure to occupational risks, causing the need to produce an additional model to better discriminate the results (Table 4).

The additional model (Table 4), stratified by exposure to occupational risks, shows that the group of exposed women has a greater chance of WA among those aged between 18 and 29 years (OR = 5.55; 95%CI 2.16– 14,30), when compared to women over 60 years of age.

Among men, the final adjusted model (Table 3) indicated a greater chance of WA in the group of unskilled manual workers (OR = 3.70; 95%CI: 1.95–7.03), compared to the reference group. It was observed that the increase in the length of the working day, in the group of men, is related to an increased chance of WA. Self-reported night shift work (OR = 1.47; 95%CI 1.08–2.00) and exposure to occupational risks (OR = 3.37; 95%CI: 2.40–4.74) were associated with the outcome. A greater chance of WA was observed in the group of workers aged between 18 and 29 years (OR = 1.84; 95%CI 1.15–2.94), compared to the group aged over 60 years. The models for both sexes showed good adjustment, according to the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic (p > 0.05).

The probabilities of WA for the occupational classes of the group of women were analyzed (Figure A) according to the following profiles: 1) age 60 years or more without exposure to risks in the work environment, no report of working at night, working hours less than 40 hours per week; 2) age between 18 and 29 years old with exposure to risks in the work environment, self-report of working at night, working hours between 40 and 44 hours per week. For female managers or professionals in profile 1, the probability of reporting accidents was 0.14% (95%CI 0.01–0.28%), whereas for profile 2, the probability was 5.95% (95%CI 1.97–9.93%), even if they are included in the same occupational class. In profile 1, the probabilities of the outcome among women in the qualified manual, rural and unskilled manual classes were, respectively, 0.41% (95%CI 0.02–0.89%), 0.19% (95%CI 0.00–0.39%) and 0.36% (95%CI 0.05–0.68%). When evaluating women with profile 2, the probability of WA increased by 15.36% in the qualified manual class (95%CI 4.30–26.42%), 7.93% (95%CI 1.85–14.01%) in the rural class, and 13.87% (95%CI 5.21–22.52%) in the unskilled manual class (Figure A), compared to women in profile 1.

In relation to occupational classes (Figure B), the following profiles were studied for men: 1) age 60 years or more, no report of working at night, working hours of less than 40 hours per week, and no exposure to occupational risks; 2) age group between 18 and 29 years old, self-report of working at night, working more than 44 hours per week, and exposure to occupational risks. For male managers or professionals in profile 1, the probability of reporting accidents was 0.23% (95%CI 0.06–0.39%), while in profile 2, included in the same class, the probability was 4.36% (95%CI 1.79–6.92%). The probability of WA among men in the skilled manual, rural and unskilled manual classes of profile 1 was 0.56% (95%CI 0.22–0.90%), 0.82% (95%CI 0.35–1 .29%), and 0.84% (95%CI 0.31–1.37%), respectively. When evaluating profile 2 men, the probability of WA increased by 10.06% (95%CI 6.78–13.34%) in the qualified manual class, 14.17% (95%CI 7.88–20.86%) in the rural class, and 14.42% (95%CI 8.48–20.36%) in the unskilled manual class (Figure B), compared to profile 1 men.

DISCUSSION

To our knowledge, this is the first time, results are presented regarding the Brazilian population on the chance of WA in men and women, according to occupational classes. Following the global trend²³23. Takala J. Burden of Injury due to Occupational Exposures. In: Bültmann U, Siegrist J, editors. Handbook of disability, work and health. Springer Cham; 2019 [cited 2023 May 5]. p. 1-22. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75381-2_5-1
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75381-... , a decrease in the prevalence of WA was observed in 2019, compared to the previous edition of the PNS¹⁰10. Malta DC, Bernal RT, de Vasconcelos NM, Ribeiro AP, Vasconcelos LL, Machado EL. Acidentes no deslocamento e no trabalho entre brasileiros ocupados, Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013 e 2019. Rev Bras Epidemiol. 2023;26(1): https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-549720230006
https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-54972023000... .

Furthermore, there is a greater chance of WA in men and women in occupations classified as predominantly manual. These occupations are characterized by tasks with routine or elementary content; that is, repetitive and predefined activities, for which there is no requirement for specialized qualifications. According to the aforementioned standardized classifications, predominantly manual occupations are positioned at the bottom of the occupational hierarchy¹1. Ribeiro CAC, Carvalhaes F. Estratificação e mobilidade social no Brasil: uma revisão da literatura na sociologia de 2000 a 2018. BIB. 2020;(92):1-461. https://dx.doi.org/10.17666/bib9207/2020
https://dx.doi.org/10.17666/bib9207/2020... ,¹⁹19. Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego (BR). CBO - Classificação Brasileira de Ocupações. Brasília, DF: Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego; 2010 [cited 2023 Apr 28]. Available from: http://www.mtecbo.gov.br/cbosite/pages/home.jsf
http://www.mtecbo.gov.br/cbosite/pages/h... . Workers in these occupations are generally less educated, rarely trained in topics related to occupational protection and safety, and have less power to avoid exposure to WA risks⁷7. Ronda-Perez E, Gosslin A, Martínez JM, Reid A. Injury vulnerability in Spain. Examination of risk among migrant and native workers. Saf Sci. 2019;115:36-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2019.01.026
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2019.01.0... .

Consistent with the literature, younger respondents were more likely to report WA. Firstly, because the job market selects individuals with greater muscular capacity and sensory ability to occupy the most insecure and unhealthy positions. Those who have not suffered the effects of work exposure or the adverse events of life, generally younger, will have more opportunities in this type of selection process²⁴24. Zaniboni S, Kmicinska M, Truxillo DM, Kahn K, Paladino MP, Fraccaroli F. Will you still hire me when I am over 50? The effects of implicit and explicit age stereotyping on resume evaluations. Eur J Work Organ Psychol. 2019;28(4):453-67. https://doi.org/10.1080/1359432X.2019.1600506
https://doi.org/10.1080/1359432X.2019.16... ,²⁵25. Costa-Font J, Ljunge M. The 'healthy worker effect': do healthy people climb the occupational ladder? Econ Hum Biol. 2018 Feb;28:119-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2017.12.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2017.12.00... . The so-called healthy worker effect expresses this selection bias, that is, those who lost the ability to face the demands of strength, vigilance, and agility did not “survive” in the job market, as they are sick or retired earlier²⁵25. Costa-Font J, Ljunge M. The 'healthy worker effect': do healthy people climb the occupational ladder? Econ Hum Biol. 2018 Feb;28:119-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2017.12.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2017.12.00... . Secondly, younger people have not yet had enough experience to develop self-protection skills, explaining, at least in part, the greater likelihood of WA in this age group²⁶26. Turner N, Deng C, Granger S, Wingate TG, Shafqat R, Dueck PM. Young workers and safety: A critical review and future research agenda. J Safety Res. 2022 Dec;83:79-95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2022.08.006
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2022.08.00... .

The results regarding long hours and night work were statistically significant for both sexes. The mechanisms through which these factors negatively affect occupational health and safety are well documented²⁷27. Fischer D, Lombardi DA, Folkard S, Willetts J, Christiani DC. Updating the "Risk Index": A systematic review and meta-analysis of occupational injuries and work schedule characteristics. Chronobiol Int. 2017;34(10):1423-38. https://doi.org/10.1080/07420528.2017.1367305
https://doi.org/10.1080/07420528.2017.13... . Changes in cognitive functions and increased fatigue are effects of circadian cycle disturbances, which occur when people work at night and are also expected when recovery time is reduced due to long working hours. These effects are conditions at the origin of WA²⁸28. Wong K, Chan AH, Ngan SC. The effect of long working hours and overtime on occupational health: a meta-analysis of evidence from 1998 to 2018. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Jun;16(12):2102. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16122102
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16122102... .

Analysis of the probabilities of WA in occupational classes shows the significant association of age and occupational factors on the occurrence of these events. It was observed that younger age, exposure to occupational risks, night work, and long working hours, when combined, contribute to a significant increase in the likelihood of WA in all occupational classes, both for men and women.

The differences in the probabilities of WA between the different classes stood out, especially in the male group, when profile 2 was evaluated. The classes of rural and unskilled manual workers, subject to conditions associated with a greater likelihood of WA, presented significantly higher percentages compared to the classes of managers and professionals when exposed to the same set of factors. This result is consistent with the initial hypothesis of this study.

The observed gender differences are subject to interpretation¹⁴14. Gupta GR, Oomman N, Grown C, Conn K, Hawkes S, Shawar YR, et al. Gender equality and gender norms: framing the opportunities for health. Lancet. 2019 Jun;393(10190):2550-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736 (19)30651-8
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736 (19)3... , indicating elements for further investigation. It is known that occupational exposures can vary when women are compared to men in the same class, because, generally, women perform tasks that are not assigned to men within the same occupation²⁹29. Antón JI, Grande R, Muñoz de Bustillo R, Pinto F. Gender gaps in working conditions. Soc Indic Res. 2023;166(1):53-83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-022-03035-z
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-022-03035... . For example, in hospital establishments, male nursing assistants are exposed to tasks that require moving loads (moving patients in bed, etc.), with a greater chance of falling or twisting the trunk, and female assistants are responsible for procedures that require more dexterity, such as packaging materials or preparing medications, with a greater chance of pain in the upper limbs⁵5. Biswas A, Harbin S, Irvin E, Johnston H, Begum M, Tiong M, et al. Differences between men and women in their risk of work injury and disability: A systematic review. Am J Ind Med. 2022 Jul;65(7):576-88. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23364
https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23364... ,²⁹29. Antón JI, Grande R, Muñoz de Bustillo R, Pinto F. Gender gaps in working conditions. Soc Indic Res. 2023;166(1):53-83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-022-03035-z
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-022-03035... .

Even with the increase in the number of women in the labor market in recent decades in industrialized countries, gender norms continue to structure the sexual division of labor⁵5. Biswas A, Harbin S, Irvin E, Johnston H, Begum M, Tiong M, et al. Differences between men and women in their risk of work injury and disability: A systematic review. Am J Ind Med. 2022 Jul;65(7):576-88. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23364
https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23364... ,¹⁴14. Gupta GR, Oomman N, Grown C, Conn K, Hawkes S, Shawar YR, et al. Gender equality and gender norms: framing the opportunities for health. Lancet. 2019 Jun;393(10190):2550-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736 (19)30651-8
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736 (19)3... ,²⁹29. Antón JI, Grande R, Muñoz de Bustillo R, Pinto F. Gender gaps in working conditions. Soc Indic Res. 2023;166(1):53-83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-022-03035-z
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-022-03035... . Domestic chores and family care are roles that are unevenly distributed in society. In the case of women, the effects of the risks experienced during the working hours are compounded by the losses of restricted recovery time, among other problems related to the time dedicated to domestic work. Although historically underrepresented in jobs considered more dangerous, women have come to occupy positions previously dominated by men, for example, civil construction³⁰30. Cherry N, Arrandale V, Beach J, Galarneau JF, Mannette A, Rodgers L. Health and work in women and men in the welding and electrical trades: how do they differ? Ann Work Expo Health. 2018 Apr;62(4):393-403. https://doi.org/10.1093/annweh/wxy007
https://doi.org/10.1093/annweh/wxy007... . This current reality may be a hypothesis to explain the increased probability of WA when women are exposed to occupational risks that are well defined in heavily male sectors. In these cases, in addition to the occupational risks specific to each productive sector, gender stereotypes in the occupational environment weighed heavily on the female workers. In other words, the aforementioned stereotypes would explain both the lesser power to interfere in their own environment and the lesser access of women to management positions³¹31. Roscigno VJ. Discrimination, sexual harassment, and the impact of workplace power. Socius. 2019;5(5):1-21. https://doi.org/10.1177/2378023119853894
https://doi.org/10.1177/2378023119853894... . Finally, it is worth mentioning that gender research warns about the strongly masculine design of facilities and equipment, without considering the biological specificities of sex⁵5. Biswas A, Harbin S, Irvin E, Johnston H, Begum M, Tiong M, et al. Differences between men and women in their risk of work injury and disability: A systematic review. Am J Ind Med. 2022 Jul;65(7):576-88. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23364
https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23364... ,²⁹29. Antón JI, Grande R, Muñoz de Bustillo R, Pinto F. Gender gaps in working conditions. Soc Indic Res. 2023;166(1):53-83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-022-03035-z
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-022-03035... .

The interpretations of the results obtained face some limitations. Memory bias may have caused underestimation of the results. However, the outcome is considered less sensitive to forgetting. Psychosocial factors, health conditions, and lifestyle habits, which may influence the chance of WA, were not addressed. However, there is evidence that, when related to WA, the contribution of these factors is limited to explaining the discrepancies observed when compared to occupational characteristics⁶6. Niedhammer I, Lesuffleur T, Labarthe G, Chastang JF. Role of working conditions in the explanation of occupational inequalities in work injury: findings from the national French SUMER survey. BMC Public Health. 2018 Mar;18(1):344. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5254-7
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5254-... ,³²32. Rommel A, Varnaccia G, Lahmann N, Kottner J, Kroll LE. Occupational injuries in Germany: population-wide national survey data emphasize the importance of work-related factors. PLoS One. 2016 Feb;11(2):e0148798. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0148798
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.014... . A high prevalence of WA was observed among men from the rural class. However, the result did not reach statistical significance among women in this class, making an in-depth analysis unfeasible. It is worth highlighting a possible representativeness bias, since the small number of WAs observed in the group of female rural workers may have influenced the power of the study to identify significant associations in this occupational class.

Gender differences in the likelihood of WA by occupational class revealed important trends. However, despite efforts to capture nuances in the probability of WA, the width of the confidence intervals suggests an overlap between men and women in certain groups. This can be ascribed to several factors, such as natural variation in the data or the influence of variables not included in the model. Finally, the nature of the cross-section does not allow establishing causal relationships between the variables analyzed, nor does it make it possible to identify latent variables that could explain gender differences, according to occupational classes. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the occurrence of these events.

Once some limitations have been clarified, it is worth mentioning the advantages of the study. Although the gender variable is considered in most research on WA in Brazil⁹9. Galdino A, Santana VS, Ferrite S. Fatores associados à qualidade de registros de acidentes de trabalho no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade no Brasil. Cad Saude Publica. 2019 Dec;36(1):e00218318. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x00218318
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x0021831... ,¹¹11. Rodrigues AB, Santana VS. Acidentes de trabalho fatais em Palmas, Tocantins, Brasil: oportunidades perdidas de informação. Rev Bras Saude Ocup. 2019;44:e8. https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-6369000017817
https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-63690000178... ,¹²12. Zago AM, Meucci RD, Fiori N, Carret ML, Faria NM, Fassa AG. Prevalência e fatores associados à acidente de trabalho em fumicultores do Município de São Lourenço do Sul, RS, Brasil. Cien Saude Colet. 2018;23:1353-13. 62. https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018235.13172016
https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018235... , no results were found focusing on gender differences according to occupational class.

The analysis of the PNS sample made it possible to advance in relation to previous research, which was based on social security data, which are known to be fragile due to deficiencies in official registration systems⁴4. Cordeiro R. A inadequação da classificação oficial dos acidentes de trabalho no Brasil. Cad Saude Publica. 2018 Feb;34(2):e00173016. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x00173016
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x0017301... ,⁹9. Galdino A, Santana VS, Ferrite S. Fatores associados à qualidade de registros de acidentes de trabalho no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade no Brasil. Cad Saude Publica. 2019 Dec;36(1):e00218318. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x00218318
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x0021831... ,¹¹11. Rodrigues AB, Santana VS. Acidentes de trabalho fatais em Palmas, Tocantins, Brasil: oportunidades perdidas de informação. Rev Bras Saude Ocup. 2019;44:e8. https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-6369000017817
https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-63690000178... . Furthermore, when interviewing workers in their homes, people in different occupations were included, working with or without a formal contract. Thus, it was possible to avoid the limits faced by research focused on a sample of workers employed in a specific sector and regularly hired⁹9. Galdino A, Santana VS, Ferrite S. Fatores associados à qualidade de registros de acidentes de trabalho no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade no Brasil. Cad Saude Publica. 2019 Dec;36(1):e00218318. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x00218318
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x0021831... ,¹¹11. Rodrigues AB, Santana VS. Acidentes de trabalho fatais em Palmas, Tocantins, Brasil: oportunidades perdidas de informação. Rev Bras Saude Ocup. 2019;44:e8. https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-6369000017817
https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-63690000178... ,¹²12. Zago AM, Meucci RD, Fiori N, Carret ML, Faria NM, Fassa AG. Prevalência e fatores associados à acidente de trabalho em fumicultores do Município de São Lourenço do Sul, RS, Brasil. Cien Saude Colet. 2018;23:1353-13. 62. https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018235.13172016
https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018235... .

The occupational class construct, the basis of the investigation that originated the results presented, is essential in research on macrostructural factors related to WA³³33. Galobardes B, Shaw M, Lawlor DA, Lynch JW, Davey Smith G. Indicators of socioeconomic position (part 2). J Epidemiol Community Health. 2006 Feb;60(2):95-101. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.2004.028092
https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.2004.028092... . The analytical lines based on it were valuable in interpreting the probability of the outcome, so as to indicate elements to better understand the inequalities that constitute the occupational structure in our society. In this sense, the presentation of the WA panorama in a representative sample of the Brazilian population covered gaps in knowledge of associated factors. Gender configurations and occupational classes proved to be relevant dimensions in the approach to WA in Brazil.

Deindustrialization is related to the tendency to reduce the prevalence of WA. In several countries, the expansion of services, combined with technological innovations, has changed production processes, forms of work organization and the type of employment. This transformation changed the panorama of occupational environments, explaining, among other factors, the relevance of others risks in certain classes, in light of WA risks²2. Siegrist J. Work and health inequalities. In: Hoffmann R, editor. Handbook of health inequalities across the life course. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar; 2023. p. 172-87.,⁵5. Biswas A, Harbin S, Irvin E, Johnston H, Begum M, Tiong M, et al. Differences between men and women in their risk of work injury and disability: A systematic review. Am J Ind Med. 2022 Jul;65(7):576-88. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23364
https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23364... ,²³23. Takala J. Burden of Injury due to Occupational Exposures. In: Bültmann U, Siegrist J, editors. Handbook of disability, work and health. Springer Cham; 2019 [cited 2023 May 5]. p. 1-22. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75381-2_5-1
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75381-... .

The findings are clues for the development of WA prevention actions, with emphasis on gender differences, as well as risk differences related to occupational structure.

Acknowledgments

To the Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences of the Federal University of Itajuba (UNIFEI) for the assistance for the publication of this article.

REFERENCES

Publication Dates

History