Sickness absence from work in the footwear industry: A longitudinal study

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Leite, Wilza Karla dos Santos^{a; *} | Araújo, Anísio José da Silva^a | da Silva, Luiz Bueno^b | de Souza, Erivaldo Lopes^b | Silva, Jonhatan Magno Norte da^c | Bolis, Ivan^a | Silva, Merlayne Pâmela de Oliveira e^d | Neves, Robson da Fonseca^e | Colaço, Geraldo Alves^f

Affiliations: [a] Postgraduate Program in Social Psychology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil | [b] Department of Production Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil | [c] Department of Production Engineering, Federal University of Alagoas, Delmiro Gouveia, Alagoas, Brazil | [d] Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil | [e] Postgraduate Program in Physical Therapy, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil | [f] Estácio de Sá College, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Correspondence: [*] Correspondence to: Wilza Karla dos Santos Leite, Postgraduate Program in Social Psychology, Federal University of Paraíba, Cidade Universitária, CEP 58051-900, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. wilzakarlas@yahoo.com.br

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Studies on illness in the footwear industry have prioritized specific work sectors and diseases. OBJECTIVES:To analyze the main factors related to sickness absence and the indicators of illness in terms of recurrence and workdays lost among workers at a footwear company, ranging from storage of raw material to distribution of the final product. METHODS:A total of 9072 cases of absence from work were investigated in shoe production units from 2014 to 2017. Univariate models estimated the risk of bodily dysfunction (physiological and psychological) and the severity of recurrence and work days lost. RESULTS:(1) Most production units and work sectors were related to one or more affected bodily functions; (2) Neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions and the work sectors of prefabrication; cutting, assembly and finishing; and quality inspection of the final product required a longer recovery time before return to work and had a greater recurrence of leave; and (3) Women seemed to be more affected than men in terms of the reappearance of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS:Illness differs according to occupational sectors. The production sectors present more serious situations due to physical overload, intense rhythm and concentration, monotony and low autonomy.

Keywords: Absenteeism, shoe manufacturing, work organization, musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205312

Journal: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 431-451, 2022