Estrategia de entornos de trabajo saludables en el sector informal: perspectiva de los actores

Objective: This research examines the perspective of informal workers and occupational health and safety technicians on implementing the strategy for healthy workplaces in informal work units (UTI, for its abbreviation in Spanish) of the Usaquen district (Bogota, Colombia). Method: A descriptive study in 16 UTIs using qualitative tools. Direct observation was conducted in 16 UTIs, and 17 workers (men and women) were surveyed on knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Semistructured interviews were conducted with two occupational health and safety technicians. Results: The workers who have been part of the strategy demonstrate adequate knowledge of the occupational hazards. This fact has led to take some positive preventive measures in the UTIs (e.g., order, signposting). However, most knowledge about risks and their prevention is not shown during workers’ practices. The participants identified workers’ time availability and the program’s short duration as the main barriers to implementing the strategy. Discussion and Conclusions: From the participants’ perspective, the strategy for healthy workplaces has had some benefits. However, it is important to overcome the identified barriers. These types of strategies require continuity so that the training is translated into health benefits for workers. The activities perceived as the most effective are those articulated with the legal regulations of UTIs. This research contributes to the scientific literature on informal workers’ occupational health and the few qualitative studies on occupational health and safety Objetivo: Buscou-se examinar a perspectiva de trabalhadores informais e tecnólogos em saúde ocupacional sobre a implementação da estratégia de ambientes de trabalho saudáveis nas unidades informais de trabalho (UIT) do município de Usaquén (Bogotá, Colômbia). Método: estudo descritivo em 16 UITs por meio de ferramentas qualitativas. Foi realizada observação direta em 16 UITs e enquetes de conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas a 17 trabalhadores (homens e mulheres). Além disso, realizaram-se entrevistas semiestruturadas com dois tecnólogos em saúde do trabalhador. Resultados: os trabalhadores que têm sido parte da estratégia possuem um conhecimento satisfatório dos riscos ocupacionais. Isso tem levado a algumas medidas preventivas positivas nas UITs (por exemplo, ordem, sinalização). Porém, grande parte do conhecimento sobre os riscos e sua prevenção não se manifesta nas práticas dos trabalhadores. Os particip