Epidemiologia dos acidentes de trabalho de 2007 a 2023 no Rio Grande do Norte

Introduction: In Brazil, attention to work-related conditions and problems has been increasing, with reports of work-related diseases and illnesses on the rise. However, the causes of this growth and its characteristics still need to be further analyzed in the federation units. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological characterization of occupational accidents that occurred between 2007 and 2023 in the state of Rio Grande do Norte and were notified through the National Notifiable Diseases System of the Unified Health System. Methodology: An ecological, descriptive study with a quantitative approach. Data was collected on the evolution of reported cases of accidents at work in the state, identifying the epidemiological profile and the areas of greatest occurrence, using the DataSUS/TabNet platform. Descriptive statistics were analyzed. Results: an increase of 7013.6% in notifications of accidents at work was found, especially among men, brown workers, aged between 20 and 34, and those working in agriculture or construction. Among women, the occupation of nursing technician was the most affected. The main cause of these injuries was circumstances related to working conditions (40.28%). The main part of the body affected was the hand (32.47%) and the most frequent outcome was temporary disability (34%). Discussion: the epidemiological characterization continues to be associated with the region's economic activities, and the national increase in the notification of accidents at work continues to rise, but the quality of the information continues to be compromised. Conclusion: underreporting has been found, especially in regions where there is no Reference Center for Workers' Health (CEREST), and many of the results are recurrent and span decades of negative impacts of work on workers' health. Epidemiological analysis shows that work-related injuries, despite underreporting, are constant and require evaluation, health planning and effective interventions to promote workers' health.