Abstract
Introduction:
there is a high incidence of zoonoses in Brazil. Endemic diseases control agents (ECA) are one of the main actors in the fight against these diseases.
Objective:
to identify and understand the ECA’s perception of their work, focusing on work-health relations.
Methods:
qualitative cross-sectional study based on the Clinic of Activity theory. We used bibliographical and documentary research as well as focal groups and content analysis. This study was conducted in Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais) from March 2016 to April 2017.
Results:
ECA do not perceive the activities of zoonoses’ control as integrated with the health service, and consider this as one of the causes of the precariousness in their work conditions, of their feeling of being invisible, and of the symbolic and concrete marginalization they experience. The workers recognize the health hazards they are exposed to, especially regarding violence, lack of suitable protection equipment and psychosocial risks.
Conclusion:
ECA experienced suffering and invisibility. Changes in work organization are required to protect workers’ health.
Keywords:
endemic diseases; work conditions; occupational health