Abstract
This paper presents a statistic survey on work accidents and professional diseases in Rio Grande do Sul state's construction industry. Data for years 1996 and 1997 were obtained from CAT, an official compulsory form used to communicate work accidents and professional diseases in Brazil. This survey analyzed the statistics of the work profile, the accident timing distribution and the accidents causes and injuries. Data were analyzed in a database specially designed for this survey with a graphic interface that makes consultation easier. The results point out that construction enterprises need to consider the use of safer technology, better management and work organization. The most important conclusion is that employees are not as careless as is usually affirmed. The results and conclusions about main work accident causes can be used to guide public and private health and safety programs, in order to reduce both number and severity of accidents.
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