The main focus o f this research project was the labor’ s role in the formulation and
implementation o f Ergonomic Programs developed by joint committees. Qualitative
research methods and a social historic approach were applied in two Brazilian
instrumental case studies in the service sector: 1) the Private Banking Industry; and 2)
the Cashiers’ workplace in Retail Food Stores. In both cases, unions were involved in
a policy-making process for the prevention o f musculoskeletal disorders - MSDs
through the application o f ergonomic principles.
It was found that the ability o f both unions and the inspectorate agency to act
effectively for a more protective work environment was limited. The policies
formulated were not effectively implemented.
Brazilian labor movement activism was constrained by external circu m sta n ces. There
was a decrease in membership and therefore a tighter budget for union actions. Old
labor achievements and workers’ rights were threatened demanding an extra effort
from the union to be maintained. Changes in production methods, in industry and
workforce characteristics generated new union demands and forced the unions to
promote fast changes in their agenda and OSH (occupational safety and health) issues
were not apriority.
Failures in the union actions with OSH concerns were also found. Most o f the work
on this theme was dependent on personal attitudes of unionists and was reactive.
Many union leaders reported that OSH organizing threatens the current union
leadership power.
In addition, because MSDs primarily affected women, they did not receive support
from male health professionals and male union leaders. Although the incidence of
MSDs is also a product o f ergonomic invisible hazards engendered by global and
productive restructuring procedures at the point of production, these hazards remained
unrecognized by many health professionals, union leaders and workers.
Educational programs were required to promote organizing and raising awareness
around at least three major issues: a) the right to work in a healthier work
environment; b) new ergonomic invisible hazards, and c) gender issues. Furthermore,
a successful implementation o f a preventive program required worker empowerment
and shared commitment between management, the state, unions, and health
professionals.
The main focus o f this research project was the labor’ s role in the formulation and
implementation o f Ergonomic Programs developed by joint committees. Qualitative
research methods and a social historic approach were applied in two Brazilian
instrumental case studies in the service sector: 1) the Private Banking Industry; and 2)
the Cashiers’ workplace in Retail Food Stores. In both cases, unions were involved in
a policy-making process for the prevention o f musculoskeletal disorders - MSDs
through the application o f ergonomic principles.
It was found that the ability o f both unions and the inspectorate agency to act
effectively for a more protective work environment was limited. The policies
formulated were not effectively implemented.
Brazilian labor movement activism was constrained by external circu m sta n ces. There
was a decrease in membership and therefore a tighter budget for union actions. Old
labor achievements and workers’ rights were threatened demanding an extra effort
from the union to be maintained. Changes in production methods, in industry and
workforce characteristics generated new union demands and forced the unions to
promote fast changes in their agenda and OSH (occupational safety and health) issues
were not apriority.
Failures in the union actions with OSH concerns were also found. Most o f the work
on this theme was dependent on personal attitudes of unionists and was reactive.
Many union leaders reported that OSH organizing threatens the current union
leadership power.
In addition, because MSDs primarily affected women, they did not receive support
from male health professionals and male union leaders. Although the incidence of
MSDs is also a product o f ergonomic invisible hazards engendered by global and
productive restructuring procedures at the point of production, these hazards remained
unrecognized by many health professionals, union leaders and workers.
Educational programs were required to promote organizing and raising awareness
around at least three major issues: a) the right to work in a healthier work
environment; b) new ergonomic invisible hazards, and c) gender issues. Furthermore,
a successful implementation o f a preventive program required worker empowerment
and shared commitment between management, the state, unions, and health
professionals.
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