Observation of the occupational scenario of community health workers

Community health workers are inserted into family health developing activities of disease prevention and health promotion. These professionals need to recognize their work and the importance of using personal protective equipment. Observation revealed that some community health workers did not wear uniforms, and that their outfit included tank tops, skirts, and open shoes. Furthermore, there was no encouragement from the team nurse to the use of caps, sunglasses, sunscreen, long sleeve shirts, compression stockings, and closed shoes. These professionals were exposed to many occupational risks, such as ergonomic, physical, chemical, and biological risks, in addition to the risk of work accidents. This experience revealed three guiding axes. Community health workers had noticeable difficulties in identifying the appropriate use of personal protective equipment. Lack of training or qualification in occupational health was also observed; however, some community health workers had knowledge based on common sense or on personal experience, which has somehow influenced them in their precaution measures. The work preparation of these professionals is still precarious, being possible to perceive signs that their prevention of occupational risks is little remembered by managers. Therefore, further guidance should be provided to community health workers.