Abstract Paper aims Conduct a set of case studies on risk management in telecommunication companies, in order to reduce the risks of accidents. Originality The present study furthers the discussion of risk management during the maintenance of telecommunication towers. Research method Three teams were assessed during their maintenance work. The risks of accidents were identified through self-made questionnaires and the checklist structured from 95 items from Brazilian regulatory and technical norms. The analysis was conducted by using the Hazard Rating Number and the OHSAS hierarchy of risk control, finally comparing the results with the OSHA´s potential draft of the standard addressing telecommunication tower safety. Main findings The main risks of accidents were: falling objects; falls from height; electrocution; and attacks from animals. Only 20% of occupational safety items were in conformity. Implications for theory and practice Suggestions on control measures were given and discussed for all four risks of accidents.

Abstract Paper aims To study fall-accident cases in order to analyze the commonly missing or not adequately applied risk management measures (RMM) and its consequences depending on falling height. Originality First study to analyze failed RMM for preventing falls from height. Research method The study reviewed court cases published by the journal “Safety & Health Practitioner”. NIOSH recommendations were used to define RMM to apply to this study. Main findings Finally, in 98% of analyzed cases, the fall from height was a result of several non-adequate or missing RMM: in 81.6% procedures of work, 65.8% guardrails and edge protection, 60.5% risk assessment, and 60.5% platforms or scaffolds. It can be concluded that falls from height pose a significant risk for workers, which could be prevented by adequately apply RMM. Implications for theory and practice The focus in the prevention of falls should be given on most common RMM.

Resumo A construção de subestações de energia elétrica representa um grande número de riscos devido ao seu ambiente periculoso. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a percepção dos trabalhadores da construção civil sobre os riscos, os métodos que utilizam para avaliação e o gerenciamento dos riscos a que estão expostos. Este estudo realizou uma analise qualitativa e quantitativa durante a expansão de uma subestação de energia elétrica, adicionando um transformador de potência de 100 MVA. Os riscos foram identificados e analisados utilizando a Análise de Risco Preliminar (APR). Além disso, um questionário sobre segurança na construção foi criado e aplicado em todos os 27 trabalhadores que participaram da construção. Os resultados mostraram quais atividades estão presentes durante a construção de uma subestação de energia, que os riscos envolvem e como gerenciá-los. Verificou-se que entre várias, as APR e Checklists eram as ferramentas de análise mais utilizadas. Mais adiante, foi encontrada uma relação entre treinamento e percepção de risco. Entre os riscos percebidos estavam: ruído, trabalho em alturas, choques elétricos, acidentes de trânsito, animais peçonhentos, poeira, incêndio e explosões. A conclusão deste estudo foi que a construção de subestações de energia elétrica traz diversos riscos de segurança e que a instrução dos trabalhadores permite um gerenciamento eficaz dos riscos, podendo diminuir o número de acidentes nesse tipo de obra.

Abstract The construction of electric power substations poses a great number of risks due to its dangerous environment. The objective of this work was to evaluate the perception of construction workers on risks, methods they use for evaluation and managing risks to which they are exposed. This study carried out a qualitative and quantitative analysis during the expansion of one electric substation, adding an additional 100 MVA power transformer. The risks were identified and analysed by using the Preliminary Risk Analysis (PRA). Additionally, a questionnaire on construction safety was created and applied on all 27 workers which participated in the construction. The results showed which activities are present during the construction of a power substation, which risks are involved and how to manage them. It was found that among several, the PRA and Checklists were the most commonly used analysis tools. Further on, it was found a relation between training and risk perception. Among perceived risks were: noise, working at heights, electric shocks, traffic accidents, poisonous animals, dust, fire and explosions. The conclusion of this study was that the construction of electric power substations brings several safety risks and that the instruction of workers allows an effective risk management, and can reduce the number of accidents in this type of working activity.

Resumo Objetivo : o objetivo do artigo foi avaliar e descrever as diversas tarefas dos postos de trabalho do servente, pedreiro, pintor letrista e encarregado de turma da construção civil para determinar o perfil dos trabalhadores com deficiência que poderiam exercer essas funções e quais as adaptações necessárias. Métodos : esta pesquisa trata-se de um estudo descritivo transversal de abordagem quantitativa. Foi utilizada observação direta das atividades realizadas no canteiro de obras em cada uma das funções avaliadas e do ambiente; entrevistas com dois trabalhadores de cada uma das funções avaliadas, com exceção do pintor letrista, que só havia um trabalhador, o trabalhador com deficiência, um engenheiro civil da obra e um técnico de segurança para descrever detalhadamente, em conjunto, como eram realizadas cada uma das tarefas prescritas; registro em vídeo e fotográfico da execução das tarefas e, para análise dos postos de trabalho, foram utilizados os recursos do software ErgoDis/IBV. No momento em que foi realizada a pesquisa de campo, estavam trabalhando na obra um total de 1.547 funcionários. Resultados : observou-se que os trabalhadores com deficiência auditiva poderiam exercer as atividades avaliadas sem nenhuma adaptação no ambiente de trabalho e que, para indivíduos com amputação de perna ou pé, seriam necessárias algumas adaptações. Considerações finais : apenas os trabalhadores com deficiência auditiva total e parcial poderiam exercer todas as funções analisadas sem nenhuma mudança no ambiente de trabalho e que os indivíduos com amputação de perna ou pé somente poderão exercer as tarefas nos postos de trabalho avaliados se utilizarem próteses adequadas.

Abstract Objective : the aim of this paper was to assess and describe the various tasks of the jobs of servant of construction, bricklayer, painter and charge of construction in the civil construction to determine the profile of workers with disabilities who could perform these functions and what adjustments are needed. Methods : this research it is a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative approach. Direct observation of the activities performed at the construction site in each of the jobs evaluated and the environment; interviews with two workers each function evaluated, except painter there was only one worker, a civil engineer and a safety technician to describe detailed, together, as they were carried out each of the required tasks; a video and photographic record of tasks being carried out to analyze the jobs, ErgoDis/IBV software resources were used. At the time the research was conducted in the field, were working a total of 1,547 employees. Results : It was observed that workers with hearing impairments could perform the activities without any adaptations in the workplace and individuals who had had a leg or foot amputated need to use appropriate prostheses to perform the activities of the functions. Conclusion : only workers with full or partial hearing impairment could perform all the jobs analyzed without any accommodation in the workplace and individuals with amputation of leg or foot may only perform tasks using appropriate aids.

A manutenção de edificações é um tema cuja importância tem crescido no setor da construção civil, superando gradualmente a cultura de que o processo de construção encerra-se na entrega do produto. Esta pesquisa visa avaliar a situação de algumas obras de manutenção de edificações verticais na cidade de Recife, no que diz respeito ao cumprimento das normas de segurança e saúde do trabalho - SST, como também identificar as principais falhas de projeto dessas edificações que geram potencialmente riscos à manutenção. O estudo consistiu na vsita e análise de oito edificações em serviços de manutenção, entre outubro de 2008 e fevereiro de 2009, aplicando-se uma lista de verificação, com base nas normas e leis de SST vigentes. Observaram-se, na pesquisa, falhas nos projetos arquitetônicos das edificações, irregularidades nos procedimentos de segurança e falta de conhecimento dos síndicos quanto à contratação e à fiscalização da empresa de manutenção. Constatou-se que as fases de planejamento e projeto de uma edificação são vtais para garantia da segurança do trabalhador na fase de manutenção. Visualizou-se a necessidade de desenvolver futuros estudos a fim de estabelecer diretrizes de segurança para o desenvolvimento de projetos das edificações que antecipem as necessidades de manutenção e a segurança daqueles que realizam esses trabalhos.

The importance of building maintenance has grown in the construction sector, gradually overtaking the idea that the construction ends when the product is delivered. This study aimed to evaluate the condition of some high-rise building maintenance worksites in Recife, regarding their compliance with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) regulations, and to identify key gaps in the building's design that can generate maintenance risks. The maintenance services of eight buildings, between October 2008 and February 2009, were analyzed according to a checklist based on the current Brazilian OSH standards and laws. Deficiencies in the buildings' architectural design, irregularities in safety procedures, and lack of knowledge by managers responsible for contracting and monitoring maintenance companies were observed. It was found that the planning and design of a building are vital to ensure workers' safety during the maintenance phase. The need to develop further studies to establish safety guidelines for building project development that anticipate maintenance and security needs for workers was verified.

OBJECTIVES: Suture materials are widely used in urology. The interaction of these materials with the extracellular matrix in the inflammatory process can be estimated by stereology of collagen fibers and the present study was designed to determine the behavior of the bladder tissue of rats to grafts of the biopolymer of sugar cane (BPCA), and the inflammation and intravesical stone formation compared to the polyglactin 910. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 42 Wistar rats were divided in four groups: Group I (n = 10) rats submitted to bladder implantation of ~4-0 BPCA suture graft and euthanized at 4 weeks; Group II (n = 10) rats submitted to bladder implantation of 4-0 polyglactin 910 suture graft and euthanized at 4 weeks; Group III (n = 12) rats submitted to bladder implantation of ~4-0 BPCA suture graft and euthanized at 8 weeks; Group IV (n = 10) rats submitted to bladder implantation of 4-0 polyglactin 910 suture graft and euthanized at 8 weeks. Bladders collected at necropsy were analyzed for their weight and the presence of grafts and calculi. Sections were prepared for stereological analysis of collagen fibers. RESULTS: The bladder weight was higher in group I, particularly in the presence of bladder stones. The presence of the graft was observed in 100% (group I), 80% (group II), 91.6% (group III) and 30% (group IV); polyglactin 910 showed an absorption of 70% in this period. The stereological analysis showed a higher volume density of collagen fibers in group I versus other groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The BPCA was a material with good integration into the bladder of rats; its absorption was slower than that of the polyglactin 910. The presence of urinary stones was lower in bladders with implantation of BPCA, particularly after 8 weeks. There was a greater initial inflammatory response to BPCA graft that was directly related to the increase in bladder weight and the presence of urinary stones, but that equalized the results of polyglactin 910 after 8 weeks.