Affiliations: Laboratório de Investigação e
Intervenção em Saúde e Trabalho (Occupational Health Investigation
and Intervention Laboratory), Departamento de Fisioterapia, Fonoaudiologia e
Terapia Ocupacional (Department of Physiotherapy, Speech-language and
Occupational Therapy), Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo,
São Paulo, Brazil | Occupational Therapy Program, Department of
Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Canada | Departamento de Engenharia de Produção
(Production Engineering Department), Polytechnic School, University of São
Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Louis Trudel, Ph.D., Occupational
Therapy program, Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of medicine, Laval
University, Quebec, Canada G1K 7P4. Tel.: +1 418 656 2131 ext 3169; Fax: +1 418
656 5476; E-mail: louis.trudel@rea.ulaval.ca
Abstract: Objective: The Traffic Engineering Company of the City of São
Paulo (Brazil) observed a decrease in productivity, and an increase in sick
leave, accidents and psychological distress among their parking inspection
agents. To document this situation, qualitative research was undertaken to
obtain an in-depth comprehension of work activity. Participants: Workers,
managers and health and safety professionals contributed to the documentation
of the problem and to the proposal of possible solutions. Methods: Ergonomic work analysis focusing on real work activity, as well as interviews
with individual or groups of stakeholders, were conducted. Results: This research revealed that political-economic factors gradually contributed to: 1)
an increasing work load; 2) growing fatigue throughout the day, increasing the
workers' vulnerability to incidents and accidents and their tendency to react
inappropriately to violence experienced on the street; and 3) excessive
individual responsibility to manage dangerous situations. Conclusions: Recommendations to ameliorate the situation are proposed. These suggestions are
discussed in terms of feasibility given the impact of macro social factors upon
micro work activity, and the associated potential expansion of the ergonomist's
role.
Keywords: Ergonomic work analysis, work safety, health promotion, productivity, politics, parking agent
