Magnitude of work accidents among formal and informal workers in Brazil: extrapolation using data from insured...

Understanding the true extent of work-related accidents (WAs) is essential for implementing effective prevention and worker health protection policies. This study aimed to estimate the magnitude of WAs among workers in formal and informal sectors in Brazil. Using an extrapolation method based on the annual incidence of WAs among individuals covered by the General Social Security System (RGPS), the total WA cases were estimated for the economically active and employed population (PEAO) and the informal PEAO for the year 2019. The average incidence was 11.09 per 1,000 employment contracts, more pronounced among men and youth, aged 14 to 24 years, and in the Southern region. An estimated 429,760 WAs occurred among informal workers and 1,059,152 among the overall PEAO. Among informal male workers, the estimate was 308,200, while among informal workers, aged 14 to 24 years, it was 94,581. The estimated underreporting rate was 44.6% (n = 472,295). This study contributes to understanding the magnitude of WAs in Brazil by addressing different characteristics and workers groups. Confirmation studies are needed to validate the obtained estimates.