The work of traffic agents in São Paulo: an ergonomics analysis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the various aspects of the traffic agents' job, collaborate in identify the generating hazards and risk factors of disorder, absenteeism and early retirement and propose alternatives to the execution of this job; contribute to the comprehension of the "damage X ageing" relation at work and rising in rank to the practice of occupational therapy in the studies of work situations. METHODOLOGY: Ergonomics Analysis of Work composed by the following steps: analysis and reformulation of the demand; survey and analysis of health and human resources data; choose and emphasize studies of a job situation, activity analysis, formulation and validation of hypothesis, diagnostic and recommendation. RESULTS:there is a great variability of tasks accomplished within the same area and among different regions, many no prescribed tasks are accomplished, some are operational strategies to relieve the violence the traffic agents are exposed to, such as: physical and verbal aggression, conflicts with the users; the communication with the clients exceeds orientations; there is physical hazard by standing, walking and discomforting postures; the acquired experience is important for reaching the demanding productivity . DISCUSSION: the daily and lonely exposure to several hazards and risk factors such as violence situations, high demanded levels of productivity, lack of training and recycling are some of the risk factors that may be causing physical and mental disorders. CONCLUSION: the occupational therapists in partnership with multidisciplinary staffs making use of Ergonomics Analysis of Work can be aware of various job aspects and suggest prevention solutions and improve field of occupational health and work.