Actions in small companies to promote occupational health: the case of the food and beverage sector Agir em empresas de pequena e média dimensão para promover a saúde dos trabalhadores: o caso do setor de alimentos e bebidas

Objectives: To describe working conditions in small companies in the food and beverage sector and to assess the health and the work ability of the selected workers. Methods: Social security data and records from periodic medical examinations were analyzed. For the observations of the work conditions, we used a data sheet created specifically for this study to apply the Short Ergonomic Assessment. For the survey, the Work Ability Index (WAI) and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) were used. Results: The following risk factors and distress-generating situations were observed: manual transport of loads; work performed while standing and in production lines; improvised workbenches; hazardous facilities; and poorly maintained machines. Most of the workers were male with a mean age of 32 years. The mean WAI score was 43 (SD=4.25), suggesting good work ability. Musculoskeletal diseases were the conditions most frequently diagnosed and the most frequently self-reported symptoms. According to the NHP, the workers’ general health status could be considered good. Conclusions: Despite the relevance of small companies in the national economy, many of them are family-based and lack the capital needed to invest in infrastructure and productive processes. Furthermore, the lack of knowledge about occupational health and safety puts employees at risk. Positive results were discerned following the present study that included investigation, training and intervention to support small companies, which are generally excluded from broader social actions. The results could be documented through the longitudinal monitoring of the companies.