[Work and common disease in a pulp and paper industry: a profile by department]

The purpose of this study was to identify associations between common morbidity and work accidents and the respective departments in a pulp and paper industry, describing work loads and performing broad control of potential confounding factors. We studied all the workers from a specific pulp and paper industry, using a cross-sectional design and interviews at the workplace (n=671) with a standardized questionnaire. We characterized workers' perceptions of their occupational exposures and health problems. The industrial area had an excess in auditory problems (OR>2.5) and respiratory problems (OR>2.7) as well as accidents (OR>4.7). These diseases were probably related to the high prevalence of noise, dust, sudden temperature changes, exposure to various chemicals, and excessive effort and high-risk situations. Moreover, the management group showed an excess in eye problems, backache, irritation, and nervousness (OR>1.7), apparently related to lack of autonomy and creativeness at work, ergonomic problems, and strained eyesight. The study confirmed not only a high prevalence of common diseases, but also their relationship to specific features of the work process indicated by each department category.