In the city of Limeira - SP is located one of the main poles of jewel and jewelry production. One of this manufacture's characteristics is the use of informal labor force having the craftsmen working at their homes in activities of assemblage, welding and carving of pieces. The aim of this paper is to understand the operation of this sector as well as to identify the risks to the workers' health. A questionnaire was passed out in 22 State schools. It was verified that 27% of the students work setting up and welding jewels and jewelries, a population 8.340 individuals, of which 20% of the students below 17 years of age (sampling error of 5.7%). The students complain of pains in superior members, correlated with the work with jewels and jewelries. The mentioned complaints points out to the risk of Repetitive Strain Injury - RSI. The results indicate the need of public policies and effort of the society to regulate and to find sustainable alternatives for the sector.
Jewels; jewelry; infantile work; informality; risks to the worker's health
