Sociodemographic, anthropometric and occupational factors associated with accidents, illness and absenteeism in food workers
Keywords:
occupational disease, absenteeism, food workers, body mass index, workplace accidents, ergonomic risk factors, health and safety at workAbstract
Introduction: In the food industry, workers face occupational hazards such as repetitive movements and awkward postures. This study analyzes how sociodemographic and anthropometric factors, such as body mass index and seniority, are associated with the occurrence of accidents, occupational illnesses, and absenteeism in this sector.
Objective: To analyze the association between sociodemographic and anthropometric factors, seniority, and the occurrence of workplace accidents, occupational illnesses, and absenteeism in 150 workers at a food company.
Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study. Data were collected through a structured survey and a review of occupational medical records. Chi-square tests, Student's t-test, ANOVA, binary logistic regression, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (α=0,05) were applied.
Results: 18,7% reported at least one workplace accident; the most frequent occupational illness was lower back pain (66.7% of illnesses). Absenteeism was significantly correlated with a BMI ≥30 (rho=0.32, p=0.01) and seniority >10 years (OR=2.8; 95% CI 1,4–5,6). Male sex showed a higher risk of accidents (OR=3,1; p=0.02).
Conclusions: Accidents are associated with male sex and ergonomic factors; obesity and long seniority increase absenteeism. Differentiated interventions are required according to risk profile.
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