WORKER HEALTH IN COVID-19 TIMES: REFLECTIONS ON HEALTH, SAFETY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Abstract

This theoretical essay aims to point out the main contributions in the field of worker health and safety, based on laws, policies, norms and international recommendations to cope with COVID-19, in order to point out possible paths regarding actions in Occupational Therapy in workers' health and in fighting the pandemic in Brazil. The literature points out that health professionals are three times more likely to contract the virus than the general population. In view of this, it is perceived, in Brazil, the need for articulation between the Federal Government and the State and Municipalities, in order to elaborate, adapt, implement and inspect laws, policies and standards on workers' health and safety, in order to guarantee working conditions. and reduce risks to workers' health during the pandemic. Regarding Occupational Therapy, initial guidelines were pointed out regarding the work in the field of occupational health, taking into account what the Unified Health System, the National Health Policy for Workers and the Federal Council of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy advocate . It is noteworthy that the actions must be directed at health service workers, but also at those of other essential assistance services and consider strategies to reach those who work in an unregulated manner. It was also indicated the existence of interventions aimed directly at people who contract the virus and the support network of these people, both within the scope of Primary Health Care and in the hospital context.