8132903 Strategies for diseases surveillance based on workers ‘exposure in a blueberry farming company in Peru

<h3>Objective</h3> The purpose of the study was to describe strategies for diseases surveillance based on workers ‘exposure in a blueberry farming company in Perú and its impact on workers’ health. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> This research was a case report study in a Blueberry farming company which had 355 workers. The unit of analysis included the indicators of characteristics of participants (demographic, level of education, gender, job position, etc.), risk assessment (qualitative and quantitative), labor inspections, interviews in focus groups, questionnaires solved, education methods used, previous investigations of workplace accidents, use of personal protection equipment (PEE), medical history of workers, internal audits, among others. It also analyzed the impact of the OHS on the frequency of accidents and illnesses in workers and on absenteeism for 4 years. The instruments used were Data collection sheet and Occupational health and safety (OHS) records. <h3>Results</h3> 355 workers participated, of which 58% were between the age of 30 and 50 years old and 38% were younger than 30. 62% lived in a rural area with low income. 31% finished a professional career, 22% finished a short-technical program and 40% had only finished high school. Each year, the OHS programs were adapted based on the updated risk exposure assessment. The most common causes of job injuries were accidents related to chemical and mechanical risk factors. The most common types of diseases were Infectious, dermatologic and Cardiovascular. By the end of the fourth year, the frequency of accidents was reduced by 25%, the frequency of diseases and comorbidities was reduced by 36% and absenteeism was reduced by 22%. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Strategies for diseases surveillance based on workers ‘exposure for 4 years, had good results in decreasing diseases and job injuries in workers in a blueberry farming company in Piura.