The diploma thesis is focused on the analysis of the power tools ergonomics and also on the economic impact on a sick employee in the Czech Republic. It presents the results of the characteristics of hand tools in terms of their design, usage positions and handling. It introduces current legislation and ergonomic methods, including the newly designed visual tool AAL. The tool enables ergonomic analysis of positional rotation of the limbs, torso and neck, including the input of strength and muscle parameters. AAL is integrated into Excel software with the possibility of integrating data from Rhinoceros software and the Grasshopper module, which automatically generates data. The analysis is based on 3D scans of 144 power tools that are divided into 11 groups. It analyzes 13 typical diseases and their economic impacts. From an economic point of view, the costs per sick employee are almost 57% higher compared to a healthy employee. The author's design of the ergonomic part of the tool is also part of the thesis.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Daily more than 300 000 health care workers in South Africa are to a lesser or greater extent exposed to the risk of deadly viruses which can be transferred through neediestick injuries. It is estimated that currently 9,8 million people in South Africa are HIV positive. This high incidence of HIV has a great impact on the danger of infection from neediestick injuries. It is estimated that 44 000 neediestick injuries takes place annually in South Africa. Despite such a high risk there are currently few safety regulations or official efforts to prevent or determine the true impact and incidence of needlesticks in South Africa. This study project investigated the number of neediestick injuries that could potentially be prevented by the use of needles with safety features and estimated the ranges of benefits and costs of using such safety devices. With the financial constraints that are imposed on South African hospitals, infection control through the use of safety syringes makes economic sense. Prevention of infections is clearly far cheaper than cure. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Daagliks word meer as 300 000 gesondheids personeel in Suid Afrika in 'n mindere of meerdere mate blootgestel aan die risiko van lewens gevaarlike viruse wat deur middel van naaldprik ongelukke oorgedra kan word. Hierdie risiko word spesifiek in Suid Afrika verhoog deur die hoë insidensie van HIV. Dit word beraam dat daar tans 9,8 miljoen mense in Suid Afrika is wat HIV positief is. Daar word beraam dat daar tans 44 000 naaldprik ongelukke per jaar in Suid Afrika plaasvind. Ten spyte van die hierdie hoë risko is daar tans min veiligheids regulasies of amptelike pogings om die omvang en voorkoming van naaldprik insidente te bepaal nie. Hierdie studie het die getal naaldprikke wat voorkom kan word deur die gebruik van veiligheids inspuitnaalde ondersoek en het die voordele en kostes van sulke veiligheidsmaatreëls beraam. Gegewe die finasiële druk wat ons tans in Suid Afrikaanse hospitale ondervind, is bewys dat die gebruik van veiligheids inspuitnaalde ekonomiese sin maak. Voorkoming op hierdie manier is bewys as 'n ver goedkoper opsie as nasorg.

The outputs that form the basis of this PhD submission include a web site that summarises a unique collection of over 200 Court Judgments in personal injury claims for work-related upper limb disorders heard in the UK, together with a number of more conventional publications. Individually, these outputs all address upper limb disorders associated with work although they each had slightly different objectives and the audiences for which they were produced significantly influenced the type of publication in which they appeared. Together, they help illustrate when, how and, to some extent, why upper limb disorders associated with keyboard use became the issue it did in the UK in the late 1980s and 1990s. While many might now regard keyboard or computer use as an innocuous task, in the late 1980s and 1990s upper limb disorders associated with keyboard use, particularly computer use, became the subject of litigation, legislation, industrial disputes and widespread publicity. The outputs on which this submission is based, together, suggest that following the importation of the concept of repetitive strain injuries (RSI) from Australia in the later 1980s, the activities of trades unions and journalists in the UK promoted work-relevant upper limb symptoms and disorders associated with keyboard use as work-induced injuries. Subsequently, a small number of successful, union-backed, personal injury claims, which involved contentious medical evidence and perhaps an element of iatrogenesis, were widely promoted as proof that computer use causes injury. Around the same time, the government chose to implement flawed Regulations relating to the design and use of computer workstations, which failed to distinguish between that which might give rise to discomfort, fatigue and frustration and that which might give rise to injury. The existence of these Regulations, which among other things require regular, individual risk assessments of computer users, unlike any other type of work, could be interpreted as further 'proof' that computer use causes injury. The approach to the prevention and management of musculoskeletal disorders advocated in current HSE guidance, including the risk assessment strategy, remain capable of generating distorted perceptions of the risks arising from keyboard and computer use.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An investigation was undertaken to ascertain whether there could be a connection between noise levels in a dental environment and noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) in a sample of South African dentists. This took the form of a questionnaire sent to dentists in the Central Gauteng and Cape Western areas, followed by the measurement of noise emissions of airotor / air-turbine handpieces. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: 'n Ondersoek is geloods om te bepaal of daar 'n verband bestaan tussen die geraas vlakke in 'n tandheelkundige omgewing en Geraas Geïnduseerde Gehoor Verlies ("Noise Induced Hearing Loss") in 'n groep Suid-Afrikaanse tandartse. Die ondersoek het bestaan uit 'n vraelys wat tandaartse in Sentraal Gauteng en die Wes Kaap voltooi het, opgevolg deur die meting of registrasie van geraas vlakke veroorsaak deur lugturbine handstukke.

Thesis (MSpor)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The prevalence of lower back disorders and the high costs involved are an ongoing problem in industrialised countries. Research indicates an estimated 70-80% of all individuals will experience lower back pain (LBP) during the course of their lives (Manek & MacGregor, 2005; Kent & Keating, 2005; Dunn & Croft, 2004; Takeyachi et al., 2003; Carter & Birrel, 2000:6; Nourbakhsh & Arab, 2003; Bernard, 1997:374). It is widely accepted that occupational demands and physical work contribute greatly towards onset, recovery and recurrence of symptoms (Carter & Birrel, 2000:6). Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) crane drivers are particularly at risk, as their working posture forces them into various prolonged non-neutral trunk positions (Fehrsen-Du Toit, 2005:24; Rohlmannt et al., 2001; Nachemson, 1963) and extreme trunk flexion (Seider et al., 2003; Hoogendoorn et al., 2000). Intrinsic factors such as trunk strength (O'Sullivan et al., 2005; Bayramoglu et al., 2001) and trunk stability (Hitt & Lie, 2006; MacDonald et al., 2006; Barker et al., 2006; Hodges et al., 2005; Hodges, 2003; Hodges & Richardson, 1996) as well as anthropometric variables (Franklin et al., 2000:64), can play different roles in incidences of lumbar pain or injury. A job such as RTG crane driving is dependant on a certain amount of strength or physical fitness. A deficit in on or more of these areas can lead to compensation, overload and eventually symptoms and injury. Research has yet to identify factors that predispose certain drivers to injury, and factors determining a quick, safe recovery and return to work. The purpose of this study was to investigate possible morphological variables as risk factors for RTG crane drivers, for Hutchison Whampoa, at the Port of Felixstowe, UK. The study design was based on a cross sectional, analytical epidemiological study. A sample of 43 RTG drivers completed testing. They were divided into a group of drivers who had never had lower back pain or symptoms (n=22), and a group of drivers who had had a previous history of lower back pain (n=21). All subjects were asymptomatic at the time of testing. Although not significant (p > 0.05), the results of the study showed that average performance deficit (the power needed to maintain or repetitively produce a force) tended to be higher in those subjects without a previous history of pain. The flexion/extension ratio also tended to be better for this group. The subjects without a past history of lower back pain were, surprisingly, found to be older than the other group. This explains the higher body weight, waist-to-hip-circumference, body mass index, and fat percentage for this group, as these measurements all tend to increase with age. It also explains the lower peak torque to body weight values for that group, as peak torque would decrease with increased body weight. This is the first study to look at morphological variables and isokinetic testing of RTG crane drivers, and the relationship between these variables and lower back pain. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die hoë koste verbonde aan, asook die hoeveelheid voortdurende lae-rug beserings in industriële lande, is ‘n aaneenlopende probleem. Navorsing toon dat 70-80% van alle individue laer-rugpyn sal ervaar deur die loop van hul lewens (Manek & MacGregor, 2005; Kent & Keating, 2005; Dunn & Croft, 2004; Takeyachi et al., 2003; Carter & Birrel, 2000:6; Nourbakhsh & Arab, 2003; Bernard, 1997:374). Dit is aanvaar dat werksvereistes en fisiese werk grootliks bydra tot die oorsaak, herstel en herhaling van simptome (Carter & Birrel, 2000:6). RTG hyskraan bestuurders is veral individue wat ‘n groter risiko toon ten opsigte van laer-rug beserings weens werkspostuur wat hul noodsaak om verskeie langdurige nie-neutrale mid-rug posisies (Fehrsen-Du Toit, 2005:24; Rohlmannt et al., 2001; Nachemson, 1963), asook ekstreme mid-rug fleksie handhaaf (Seider et al., 2003; Hoogendoorn et al., 2000). Sekere individuele intrinsieke faktore soos mid-rug krag (O'Sullivan et al., 2005; Bayramoglu et al., 2001) mid-rug stabiliteit (Hitt & Lie, 2006; MacDonald et al., 2006; Barker et al., 2006; Hodges et al., 2005; Hodges, 2003; Hodges & Richardson, 1996), en antrpometriese veranderlikes (Franklin et al., 2000:64), kan ‘n aansienlike verhoging in moontlike laer-rug pyn of –beserings meebring. ‘n Werk soos RTG hyskraan bestuur is afhanklik van sekere hoeveelheid krag of fisiese fiksheid. ‘n Tekortkoming in enige van hierdie areas kan lei tot oorkompensering, oorbelading en uiteindelike simptome van besering. Vrae wat navorsing nog moet antwoord is onder andere die faktore wat aanleiding gee tot beserings asook wat vinnige en veilige terugkeer na werk vir bestuurders bepaal. Die doel van die studie was om moontlike morfologiese veranderlikes en risiko faktore te bestudeer vir RTG hyskraan bestuurders, vir Hutcinson Whampoa, te Felixstowe hawe, VK. Die rol wat hierdie faktore speel in die oorsaak en ontwikkeling van rugpyn word ook ondersoek. ‘n Protokol van toetse is gekies om moontlike morfologiese risiko faktore uit te lig en daardeur bestuurders wat meer geneig is om laer-rugpyn te ontwikkel te identifiseer. ‘n Totaal van 43 RTG bestuurders het die toets voltooi. Hierdie bestuurders is verdeel in ‘n groep wat nog nooit laer-rugpyn of simptome getoon het nie (n=22) en ‘n groep bestuuders wat wel vorige geskiedenis van laer-rugpyn het (n=21). Alle deelnemers was asimptomaties met die aanvang van die toetsing. Alhoewel resultate van die toets nie noemenswaardig was nie (p>0.05), het dit wel getoon dat algemene prestasie tekortkoming (spierkrag benodig om kraguitset te handhaaf of om herhaaldelik uit te voer) geneig was om hoër te wees in individue sonder ‘n vorige geskiedenis van rug besering. Die fleksie/ekstensie verhouding het ook beter vertoon in hierdie groep. Individue sonder vorige geskiedenis van laer-rugpyn is interessant genoeg, ouer as die met geskiedenis van laer-rug beserings. Dit verduidelik die hoër liggaamsgewig, middelheup- verhouding en liggaamsmassa indeks en vet persentasie van hierdie groep weens die feit dat al reedsgenoemde geneig is om met ouderdom toe te neem. Dit kan ook piekkraguitset tot liggaamsmassa waardes van hierdie groep verduidelik omdat piekkraguitset sal verminder met toename in liggaamsmassa. Hierdie is die eerste studie wat die uitkyk bied op morfologiese veranderlikes tesame met isokinetiese toetsing van RTG hyskraan bestuurders en die verhouding tussen hierdie veranderlikes en laer-rugpyn.

<p>Profesionalna infektivna oboljenja nastaju kao posledica izloženosti mikroorganizama u radnoj sredini. Cilj ovog istraživanja je utvrđivanje vrsta profesionalnih &scaron;tetnosti koje dovode do profesionalnih infektivnih oboljenja i njihove incidencije u privrednim delatnostima Autonomne Pokrajine Vojvodine, kao i predloga adekvatnih mera za njihovu prevenciju. Profesionalna infektivna oboljenja su činila 13,4% od ukupno 464 slučaja utvrđenih profesionalnih oboljenja u Autonomnoj Pokrajini Vojvodini u toku dvadesetogodi&scaron;njeg perioda od 1992. do 2011. godine. Od ukupno utvrđenih 62 slučaja profesionalnih infektivnih oboljenja dve trećine su činili profesionalni virusni hepatitisi, 31% profesionalne antropozoonoze i 3% profesionolana tuberkuloza. Dve trećine obolelih od profesionalnih infektivnih bolesti bile su osobe ženskog pola &scaron;to je statistički značajno vi&scaron;e u poređenju sa osobama mu&scaron;kog pola, dok su zaposleni mu&scaron;kog pola činili 57%, a ženskog 43% ukupno zaposlenih na teritoriji Vojvodine. Najče&scaron;ća profesionalna infektivna oboljenja bila su virusni hepatits B 52%, kju groznica 18%, virusni hepatitis C 15%, lajmska bolest 6%, leptospiroza 5%. Utvrđeno je da je do&scaron;lo do statistički značajnog sniženja incidencije profesionalnog virusnog hepatitisa B u<br />periodu nakon dono&scaron;enja odluke o obaveznoj imunizaciji 2002. godine, sa 6,27 na 1,35 na 100.000 zaposlenih, dok nije bilo statistički značajne razlike kada je u pitanju incidencija virusnog hepatitisa C. Profesionalna infektivna oboljenja su u vi&scaron;e od dve trećine slučajeva registrovana kod zdravstvenih radnika (69%) sa prosečnom incidencijom od 5,18 na 100.000 zaposlenih, znatno niža bila je incidencija u proizvodnji prehrambenih proizvoda (1,36) i poljoprivredi sa lovom, ribolovom i &scaron;umarstvom (1,11). Ne&scaron;to vi&scaron;e od trećine radnika bilo je privremeno nesposobno za rad u toku utvrđivanja profesionalnog oboljenja, jer je lečenje bilo u toku. Kod ovih radnika značajno je naknadno oceniti radnu sposobnost i utvrditi eventualne posledice oboljenja. Pored primene specifičnih mera imunizacije ukoliko postoje, kao i ličnih mera za&scaron;tita koje sprečavaju kontakt sa uzročnicima, značajno je sprovođenje edukacije radnika o rizicima i preventivnih lekarskih pregleda radi rane identifikacije obolelih radnika.</p> / <p>Occupational communicable diseases are caused by exposure to microorganism&rsquo;s in working environment. The aim of this study is to determine the types of occupational hazards that lead to occupational communicable diseases and their incidence in the economic activities of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, as well as the proposal of adequate measures for their prevention. Occupational communicable diseases accounted for 13.4% of the total of 464 cases of occupational diseases identified in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina during the twenty-year period from 1992 to 2011. In the total of 62 identified cases of occupational communicable diseases, occupational viral hepatitis accounted for two-thirds, occupational anthropozoonoses for 31%, occupational tuberculosis for 3%. Two-thirds of patients with occupational communicable diseases were females, significantly more compared to male, while male accounted for 57% and female for 43% of the total employees in Vojvodina. The most frequent occupational communicable diseases were viral hepatitis B 52%, Q fever 18%, viral hepatitis C 15%, Lyme disease 6%, leptospirosis 5%. It was found that there was a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of occupational viral hepatitis B in the period after the decision on obligatory immunization in 2002, from 6.27 to 1.35 per 100,000 employees, while there were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of viral hepatitis C. In more than two-thirds of the cases occupational communicable diseases were registered in health care workers (69%) with the average incidence of 5.18 per 100,000 employees, substantially lower the incidence was in the production of food (1.36), as well as in agriculture, hunting, fishing and forestry (1.11). Just over a third of workers were temporarily unable to work during the verification of occupational disease due to the ongoing treatment. In these workers it is important to assess working ability afterwards and identify the possible consequences of the disease. In addition to the application of specific measures of immunization if any available, as well as personal protection measures that prevent contact with pathogens it is important to implement risk education of workers and preventive medical examinations for early identification of affected employees.</p>

Background According to international study results, physical therapists are afflicted with work-related musculoskeletal, psychosocial and dermal disorders as well as infections. The few existing studies in German-speaking regions focus mainly on dermal and psychosocial exposures and resulting complaints. An overview of all relevant work-related exposures and complaints of physical therapists is currently lacking. We sought to identify work-related exposures based on the subjective experiences and beliefs of physiotherapeutic representatives, in order to identify relevant work-related complaints and diseases. Likewise we aimed to compare the international evidence with the actual situation of physical therapists in Germany. Methods Two complementary qualitative approaches were used: 1) a focus group discussion with representatives of professional physiotherapy associations as well as health and safety stakeholders and 2) qualitative semi-structured telephone interviews incorporating currently employed physical therapists. The group discussion was conducted applying a moderation technique, and interviews were analyzed using the content analysis approach by Mayring. Results The focus group discussion with five participants and the 40 semi-structured interviews with physical therapists identified comparable results. The main exposures of physiotherapeutic work were considered to be musculoskeletal (e.g., awkward body postures during treatment, patient transfers, passive mobilization), psychosocial (e.g., statutory audit of prescriptions and the associated conflicts with doctors and health insurance providers) and partly dermal and infectious (e.g., wet work and risk of infection) factors. Diseases of the spine, wrist or finger joints, burnout syndrome and infections were mentioned as possible consequences. Conclusions The subjective data generated by both groups (focus group discussion and interviews) were comparable and consistent with the current state of research. The results provide new insight regarding work-related exposures and diseases of physical therapists working in Germany. These findings aided the design of a German-wide representative survey of practicing physical therapists.

Orientador: Artênio José Isper Garbin / Banca: Renato Moreira Arcieri / Banca: Edgard Michel Crosato / Resumo: O aumento das fontes produtoras de ruído tem prejudicado a qualidade de vida dos profissionais, acelerando a deterioração do aparelho auditivo, podendo causar lesões irreversíveis, dependendo da intensidade do ruído e do tempo de exposição. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o nível de ruído de 3 marcas diferentes de instrumentos de alta rotação, e identificar qual será o menos lesivo ao profissional e, ainda, verificar as atenuações produzidas por protetores auriculares tipo plug de 4 diferentes marcas e indicar o de maior eficiência na prática profissional. O instrumento utilizado foi um medidor de nível sonoro, decibelímetro com filtro de banda de oitava e terça oitava. Foram feitas no total de 740 medições, sendo que os resultados dessas medições foram analisados juntamente com as atenuações em decibels nas freqüências de bandas de 1/1 oitavas das 4 marcas diferentes de protetores auriculares do tipo plug, disponíveis, atualmente, no mercado. Os resultados da aferição de ruído em média de 72,1dB para Caneta B; 79,8 dB para Caneta C e 80,8 dB Caneta A, não ultrapassam o limite de 85 dB, conforme a NR-15 da norma de Segurança e Medicina do Trabalho e, portanto, não sendo obrigatório o uso do protetor auditivo. No entanto todos os valores ficaram acima de 65 dB da norma NBR-10152 de conforto acústico. Em relação ao protetor auricular, pode-se observar que, a maior média apresentada foi da marca Pomp Plus (26,7 dB), seguido da Dura Plus Plug (25,6 dB), CO-MAXXI (24,8 dB) e 3M1270 (24,8 dB), no entanto, convém salientar que houve altos valores do desvio padrão nas atenuações em todas as freqüências. Conclui-se que o profissional deve adotar medias de comportamento preventivo, como o uso do protetor auricular, mesmo que não obrigatório, para evitar lesões auditivas ao longo de sua carreira. / Abstract: The increase of the producing sources of noise has been harmful to the quality of professionals' life, speeding up the deterioration of the auditory device, it could be causing irreversible injuries, depending on the intensity of the noise and the exposition time. The objective of the present study was analyze the level of noise of 3 different marks of high speed handpieces, and to verify the attenuations produced for auditive protectors type plug of 4 different marks and to indicate the more efficiency in the practical professional. The instrument used was a sound level meter, with band of eighth filter. It had been made in the total of 740 measurements, being that the results of these measurements had been analyzed together with the attenuations in decibels in each frequency of the 4 different marks of auditive protectors, available, currently, in the market. The results of the measurements of noise in average of 72.1dB for high speed handpiece B, 79.8 dB for high speed handpiece C and 80.8 dB high speed handpiece A, and these values does not above 85 dB in accordance to NR-15 of the Security and Work Medicine Norms and does not obligate the use of auditive protector. However all the values had been above of 65 dB of the NBR-10152 norm of acoustic comfort. In relation to the auditive protector, it can be observed that, the presented average greater was of the mark Pomp Plus (26.7 dB), followed of Dura Plus Plug (25.6 dB), CO-MAXXI (24.8 dB) and 3M1270 (24.8 dB), however the standard deviation of the attenuations in all the frequencies is high values. It is concluded that the professional must adopt measured of preventive behavior, as the use of the auditive protector, exactly that not obligator, to prevent them about auditory injuries in all career. / Mestre

Atualmente doenças ocupacionais manifestadas nas mãos, como hiperqueratinização, escamação, desidratação e fissuras profundas são frequentemente relatadas por profissionais como médicos, enfermeiros, dentistas, mecânicos e donas de casa. O uso frequente de luvas e o contato constante com substâncias químicas como detergentes e sabões são as principais causas. O tratamento é feito pelo uso de corticóides tópicos, o que a longo prazo pode causar aumento das infecções no local de aplicação, devido ao efeito colateral de inibição do sistema imune destes fármacos. Isto exposto, fica evidenciada a importância da profilaxia e boa hidratação como alternativas de tratamento. O emprego de matérias-primas vegetais em formulações cosméticas atende ao apelo de sustentabilidade e biocompatibilidade tão buscado pelas empresas do setor. Óleos como o de andiroba e copaíba são tradicionalmente empregados pois podem apresentar potencial antibiótico e antiinflamatório. As manteigas de cacau e cupuaçu possuem alto teor de ácidos graxos, o que lhes confere potencial poder hidratante. Óleos e manteigas vegetais apresentam ainda potencial na formação de estruturas lamelares, as quais melhoram a estabilidade e aumentam o poder hidratante da formulação onde estão presentes. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo o desenvolvimento de um creme à base de matérias primas vegetais, destinado à profissionais acometidos de doenças ocupacionais nas mãos. Foram manipuladas formulações com os óleos de copaíba e andiroba, aditivadas de manteigas de cacau e cupuaçu. Diversos pares de tensoativo foram pesquisados a fim empregar aquele que produzisse melhor estabilidade e permitisse a formação de estruturas lamelares. Quando empregados os tensoativos PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate / Steareth-2 em emulsões com valores de EHL final 7 e 9, foi obtida boa estabilidade preliminar e observada presença de estruturas lamelares. Foi avaliado o comportamento destas frente à evaporação da água e foi observado que mesmo em pequenas concentrações ou após evaporação da água livre do sistema, as estruturas lamelares se mantêm presentes, sugerindo armazenamento de água entre as lamelas. A caracterização por difração de raios-X em alto ângulo (WAXS) permitiu observar que as cadeias carbônicas que compõem a bicamada ao redor dos glóbulos internos da emulsão estão dispostas em um estado ordenado denominado fase gel. A análise por difração de raio-X a baixo ângulo (SAXS) confirmou que os tensoativos estão organizados em multicamadas lamelares intercaladas por camadas de água que se mantiveram estáveis mesmo após três meses de envelhecimento em temperatura ambiente. A avaliação reológica mostrou comportamento pseudo-plástico com tixotropia e ligeiro aumento da viscosidade com o tempo, porém, não confirmou boa estabilidade. Por meio dos testes in vivo observou-se que as formulações desenvolvidas promoveram aumento da hidratação a qual foi prolongada em relação à formulação de mercado. / Currently occupational diseases manifested in the hands, as hyperkeratinazation, scaling, dehydration and deep fissures are frequently reported by professionals such as doctors, nurses, dentists, mechanics and housewives. The frequent use of gloves and constant contact with chemical such as detergents and soaps are the main cause. The treatment is done by the use of topical steroids, which in the long term may cause increased infections in the application site, due to side effect of inhibiting the immune system of these drugs. This exposed, the importance of proper hydration as prophylaxis and treatment alternatives is evidenced. The use of vegetable raw materials in cosmetic formulations attends the sustainability and biocompatibility appeal so sought by the cosmetics business sector. Oils such as Andiroba and Copaiba are traditionally used for their antibiotic and anti-inflammatory potential. Cocoa and Cupuassu butters have high levels of fatty acids, giving them potential moisturizing power. Vegetable oils and butters have yet a potential in formation of lamellar structures, which improve stability and increase the moisturizing power of the formulations where they are present. This research aimed to develop a cream based on vegetable raw materials destined to professionals suffering from occupational disease in the hands. Formulations were manipulated with Copaiba and Andiroba oils added with Cocoa and Cupassu butter. Several pairs of surfactant were investigated to employ one that produces better stability and allow the formation of anisotropic lamellar structures. When employed the following pair of surfactants PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate / Steareth-2 in emulsions with required HLB of 7 and 9, good preliminary stability was obtained and lamellar structures were observed. We evaluated their behavior against water evaporation and we observed that even in small concentrations or after free water evaporation, lamellar structures are still present, suggesting water storage between the lamellae. Characterization by X-ray diffraction at wide angle (WAXS) elucidated that he carbon chains composing the bilayer around the emulsions internal globules are disposed in an ordered state called gel phase. The analysis by small angle X-ray diffraction (SAXS) confirmed that the surfactants are arranged in multilayered lamellae intercalated by layers of water that remained stable even after three months aging at room temperature. The rheological evaluation showed pseudo-plastic behavior with thixotropy and slight increase in viscosity with time, however, not confirmed good stability. The in vivo tests showed that the formulations caused an increase in hydration which was prolonged in relation to the formulation from the market.

Este estudo de caso objetivou identificar as informações dos trabalhadores encaminhados ao Centro de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador (CEREST) - Regional de Ribeirão Preto-SP sobre os seus direitos à saúde e ao trabalho. O estudo foi realizado em duas fases, a quantitativa e a qualitativa para se realizar a coleta dos dados. A fase quantitativa do estudo, que se realizou no período de 6 de novembro a 4 de dezembro de 2009, objetivou identificar a caracterização dos trabalhadores atendidos no Ambulatório de Saúde do Trabalhador (AST) localizado numa UBDS na região norte do município de Ribeirão Preto-SP. Os dados foram coletados através de um questionário aplicado aos trabalhadores que sofreram acidente de trabalho ou adquiriram doença ocupacional no meio ambiente de trabalho e, após a análise dos dados constatou-se que: no total dos 84 sujeitos, a predominância foi do sexo masculino (72,6%). Quanto ao estado civil, não houve grande diferença percentual em relação ao número de solteiros (40,5%) e casados (39,3%). No que diz respeito à escolaridade, ocorreu um percentual próximo em relação ao ensino fundamental incompleto (29,8%) e para o ensino médio completo (32,1%). A idade média dos trabalhadores foi de 33 anos. A sua grande maioria reside no município de Ribeirão Preto- SP (92,9%). A ocupação com maior número de trabalhadores foi a de auxiliar de linha de produção (11,9%) e ressalta-se um número elevado em diversidade de ocupações. Em relação ao número de horas trabalhadas, a jornada de 8 horas é predominante (45,2%), no período diurno (91,7%), com turno de trabalho fixo (86,7%) e a maioria dos trabalhadores não trabalha aos sábados, nem domingos ou feriados (53,6%). No que se refere à anotação na CTPS, a maioria (96,4%) tem o registro. Em relação ao tempo de serviço na empresa, a metade dos trabalhadores possui menos de 1 ano (50,0%). Quanto à faixa salarial, houve um predomínio de 2 a 3 salários mínimos (69,0%). A maioria dos trabalhadores não possuem outro trabalho além da empresa onde laboram (94,0%). Quando indagados sobre a ocorrência de riscos no trabalho para a vida e saúde, a maioria identifica afirmativamente (76,2%), sendo que 64,3% (54 dos respondentes) referem que receberam treinamento, curso ou orientações para realizar seu trabalho. Um percentual de 73,8% (62 sujeitos) afirmam que receberam EPIs para realizar o seu trabalho habitual. Quanto aos motivos do encaminhamento para o AST, a maioria respondeu que foi devido a acidente de trabalho típico (69,0%) e que não havia ocorrido outro acidente anterior na mesma empresa (88,0%). Foi emitida a CAT para 45 trabalhadores (53,6%). Em relação ao período de afastamento, a maioria referiu um afastamento menor ou igual a 15 dias (75,0%). Ainda, quanto à situação do trabalhador em relação ao INSS, a maioria mencionou estar afastado pela empresa (74,1%). A fase qualitativa do estudo foi realizada com os trabalhadores que foram referenciados para o CEREST - Regional de Ribeirão Preto pelo AST da UBDS escolhida para esse estudo. No período destinado à coleta de dados no AST, 12 trabalhadores foram encaminhados pelo médico do trabalho para atendimento de maior complexidade. Todos concordaram em participar das entrevistas. Após a realização da análise de conteúdo dos discursos dos trabalhadores e, realizada a categorização, foram evidenciados os seguintes temas: afastamento em função de doença ocupacional que acomete esses trabalhadores no CEREST; afastamento em função de doença ocupacional devido à LER/DORT; afastamento em função de doença ocupacional devido a transtorno mental relacionado ao trabalho; afastamento em função de acidente de trabalho típico; a dor crônica como principal queixa à saúde nos casos de LER/DORT; a dor crônica como principal queixa à saúde nos casos de afecções da coluna; limitações físicas no trabalho decorrentes do acidente de trabalho típico; problema psicológico relacionado ao trabalho como principal queixa; trabalhadores não sabem nada dos seus direitos; trabalhadores conhecem pouco seus direitos; acesso à informação e o exercício dos direitos; decepção em relação ao empregador e meios de acesso para obtenção das informações. Concluiu-se que, após a análise dos discursos dos entrevistados, 6 dos respondentes desconhecem os seus direitos e os outros conhecem muito pouco. Os que relatam que conhecem um pouco à respeito do assunto, apenas descrevem como seu direito o de receber um benefício pecuniário através do Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS) devido ao longo período de afastamento. A falta de informação relatada pelos trabalhadores evidencia a sua vulnerabilidade enquanto cidadão e trabalhador. Essa situação os deixa suscetíveis a serem explorados e subjugados em seu trabalho. Evidencia-se no estudo que em decorrência dos motivos alegados pelos entrevistados sob a importância do conhecimento dos seus direitos, reitera-se que a capacitação voltada à aplicação de medidas básicas de prevenção, promoção e educação em saúde do trabalhador e fornecer às orientações quanto aos direitos dos trabalhadores, tanto na seara da saúde, direitos trabalhistas, previdenciários ou qualquer outro direito se faz mister. Ressalta-se, que estas orientações sejam fornecidas por profissionais competentes e comprometidos com estas questões tão complexas que envolvem a saúde do trabalhador, oferecendo um atendimento humanizado e resolutivo, escutando o trabalhador de maneira desprovida de preconceitos. / This case study proposed to identify information of employees referred to the Reference Center on Occupational Health (Centro de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador - CEREST) at the Ribeirão Preto Regional Branch, on their rights to health and work. The study was conducted in two phases - quantitative and qualitative, in order to carry out the data collection. The quantitative phase of the study, which was held in the period from November 6 to December 4, 2009, aimed at identifying the characteristics of workers in the Outpatient Occupational Health Center located in a District Basic Health Unit located in the northern region of the city of Ribeirao Preto- SP. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to workers who suffered accidents at work or occupational disease acquired in the work environment and data analysis estimated that from a total of 84 subjects, the prevalence was of male workers (72.6%). With regard to marital status there was no significant percentage difference in the number of single (40.5%) or married workers (39.3%). As to schooling, there was a close percentage in relation to elementary education (29.8%) and secondary education (32.1%). The average age of workers was 33, the vast majority residing in Ribeirão Preto (92.9%). The largest number of workers are production line assistants (11,9%), and there is a great number in diverse occupations. Regarding the number of hours worked, the journey of eight hours is predominant (45.2%) during the daytime (91.7%) with a fixed shift pattern (86.7%) and most workers do not work Saturdays or Sundays or public holidays (53.6%). With regard to the notation in the Social Security Card, the majority (96.4%) are registered workers. Regarding the period of service with a company, half of workers have less than 1 year (50.0%). As for the salary range, 2-3 minimum wages (69.0%) were predominant. Most workers do not have jobs outside the company they work for (94.0%). When asked about the occurrence of work occupational hazards to life and health, the majority gave an affirmative reply (76.2%), while 64.3% (54 respondents) confirmed having received either practical training/ courses or received guidelines on how to carry out their tasks. A percentage of 73.8% (62 subjects) declared having received PPE to do their routine jobs. Regarding the reasons for referral to the Outpatient Occupational Health Center, the majority responded it was due to a typical work accident (69.0%) and reported not knowing of any previous accident in the same company (88.0%). Leave of Absence were issued for 45 workers (53.6%). As for the period of the absence, the majority reported it was equal or inferior to 15 days (75.0%). Also with regard to workers´s situation in relation to the Social Security Services, most have mentioned being removed by the company (74.1%). The qualitative phase of the study was conducted with workers who were referred to the Reference Center on Occupational Health - Ribeirão Preto Regional Branch by the Outpatient Occupational Health Center of the Basic Health Unit chosen for this study. During the period assigned for the collection of data in the , 12 workers were referred by the occupational physician for care of greater complexity. All agreed to attend the interviews. After conducting the content analysis of the workers´ statements and its categorization, the following topics were outstanding; - removal due to occupational illness affecting workers in the Reference Center on Occupational Health; removal due to occupational disease due to RSI; removal due to occupational disease because of mental disorders related to work; removal due to typical on the job accident; chronic pain as the main health complaint in cases of RSI, chronic pain as chief complaint in cases of health disorders of the spine ; physical limitations caused by typical work accidents; psychological problems related to the job as a chief complaint; workers unaware of their rights; workers have insufficient knowledge of their rights and access to information for the exercise of their rights; disappointment in relation to their employer, and the means to obtain information. Following to the analysis of the interviewees´ discourse it can be concluded that six of the respondents are unaware of their rights while the others have very little knowledge. Those who claim to have any information on the subject are in reality only able to mention their right to compensation they are entitled to from the National Social Security Institute due to a long period of absence. The lack of information reported by workers reveals their vulnerability as citizens and workers. This situation leaves them susceptible to exploitation and oppression at the workplace. The study also brings to light that, due to the reasons given by the respondents of the importance of knowing their rights, it is strongly recommended that adequate training focusing the application of basic prevention measures is provided, including substantial instruction and guidance on occupational health and labor rights, social security issues and other related topics. It should be emphasized that these guidelines must be provided by a competent professional, committed to these complex issues from which depends the workers´ well-being, someone capable of providing humanized, solution-oriented care while listening to the employee in an unprejudiced manner.