Análise das condições de trabalho no setor têxtil: estudo multicaso em Ceará-Mirim/RN, Brasil

Abstract

Working conditions in textile factories can be caused by several factors that vary according to the region, with repetitive exercises, non-air-conditioned environments, exposure to airborne particles (fibrils), as well as alarming noise levels, low efforts and long working hours being observed. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the working conditions of three textile factories located in Ceará-Mirim/RN. This is an exploratory, multi-case and longitudinal survey study, through the application of a questionnaire with 94 local employees and observational analysis of working conditions. The data were tabulated and analyzed using Sigmaplot software, version 15.0, through descriptive and inferential analysis using Spearman's transparency. It was observed that the majority of participants were women (77.66%); aged over 38 years (72.34%); with high school education (57.45%) and salary income of up to 01 minimum wage (97.87%). Of the main workload, sewing corresponds to (79.79%), the majority (62.77%) do not use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 72.34% mentioned knowing the occupational risks of their activity, the most frequent being noise (92.75%); textile fibrils (84.04%); repetitive tasks (88.30%) and tiring ergonomic positions (95.74%). 58.51% mentioned the need for improvement in the physical environment. In Spearman's transparency, a significant relationship was observed (p≤0.05) between the variable education and: knowledge of risks (ρ = 0.211); exposure to fibrils (ρ = 0.180); training (ρ = 0.261) and stress (ρ = -0.457). Time in the company was related to stress (ρ = 0.299) and training was related to knowledge of risks (ρ = 0.233). The results observed in the study allow us to infer that the interviewees are aware of the risks involved in their work activities, although they are not accustomed to using PPE. We found that the workers work long hours, have to work in repetitive positions and perform repetitive exercises. In addition, they mentioned the need for improvements in wages and the physical environment.