Diagnóstico da situação actual da componente de higiene, segurança e saúde ocupacional em empresas de produção florestal

Abstract

The forestry industry in Mozambique faces significant challenges in relation to occupational hygiene, safety and health (HSSO). This work was carried out with the main objective of diagnosing the current situation of hygiene, safety and health at work in forestry sales companies. The study involved a total of 33 employees, divided into three sales companies, namely: A sales station – 15 employees, A Serração – 08 and A Carpentry – 10 employees. Given the sensitivity of the subject covered in the study, it was decided to designate companies by the type of product produced and not by their real names. Thus, the results presented demonstrate that the majority of employees evaluated showed themselves to have no knowledge of legal instruments, notably 87% of Serração employees, 80% of Sales Post employees and 80% of Carpentry employees and, only 20% of sales station employees, 20% and 12.5% of carpentry and sawmill employees respectively presented knowledge of Health and Safety Laws and Standards. Lack of knowledge of HSSO laws and standards is related to the low academic level of employees, associated with advanced ages, as well as the weak involvement of companies in complying with legal requirements for maintaining a healthy work environment and the complexity of existing legislation in the country. It was found that the main professional risks present in the evaluated companies are mechanical, ergonomic, physical and chemical risks. And, its intensity varied according to the areas of activity of each company. It was noted that the sales station company presented greater chemical and ergonomic risks, while the rest of the companies presented greater chemical, ergonomic, physical and mechanical risks. The most common occupational diseases are Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) due to exposure to professional risks. Likewise, it was noted that most companies compensate their employees when it is verified and proven that they have suffered some reduction in production capacity.