In 2023, 267 people died from work accidents in Santa Catarina according to data from the Ministry of Health’s SIM (Mortality Information System). In addition, there were 5,216 cases involving occupational accidents or illnesses in the state.
267 people died from work accidents in Santa Catarina – Photo: TRT/Divulgação/ND
Sectors with the most work accidents
- Hospital care activities;
- Casting of iron and steel;
- Slaughter of pigs, poultry and other small animals;
- Road freight transport and trade of goods;
Deaths in Santa Catarina regions
Deaths due to work accidents are more frequent in the hospital area, mainly in the micro-regions of Florianópolis, Criciúma and Blumenau. Altogether, a total of 13,822 work accidents and 117 deaths were recorded last year.
In the Joinville macro-region, notifications of work-related illnesses and injuries prevail in the iron and steel casting sector. All data were made available by Cerest (Occupational Health Reference Centers).
Cerest de Joinville reported that there were 3,089 notifications of work-related illnesses and injuries. Regarding deaths, there were 45 last year.
In the Lages area, there were 2,149 notifications, with 25 deaths. In Planalto Norte, there were 735 illnesses and accidents, with eight deaths, mainly in the wood sector.
In the West and Midwest of SC, the slaughter of pigs, poultry and other small animals leads in accidents and deaths. In total, there were 10,434 notifications with 72 deaths in 2023.
Processes in the state
The number of lawsuits involving work accidents or occupational illnesses grew 28% in 2023, compared to 2022. According to the State Labor Court, there were 5,216 lawsuits distributed across the 31 SC jurisdictions.
The jurisdictions with the most lawsuits regarding work accidents were Chapecó (14.83%), Xanxerê (12.97%) and São Miguel do Oeste (12.40%). The TRT explains that the Chapecó Forum stands out because it has four labor courts.
Accidents in slaughterhouses and construction
Furthermore, the region stands out due to the significant number of work accidents typical of the construction industry and occupational diseases in slaughterhouses in the region.
Magistrate Deisi Senna Oliveira, from the 2nd VT, explains that the problem occurs due to activities that require several movements per second.
According to the judge, there are several actions being taken in the region that could have a direct impact on reducing this index. “Such as, for example, the institution of rest breaks and the adjustment of the number of chairs for rotating standing and sitting services”, explains the judge.
