OCCUPATIONAL RISKS IN THE PERCEPTION OF SPEECH THERAPISTS WORKING IN EXPANDED FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To present the main risks speech therapists are exposed during their functions on Expanded Nuclei of Family Health (ENFH), as well as analyzing the knowledge of these professionals about it. Materials and Methods: The study is explanatory-descriptive with a qualitative approach. The research was developed in the ENFH of the city of João Pessoa-PB. All the speech therapists of ENFH of that city participated, however integrated also in the study thirteen professionals who had the following criteria: to have degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, to be active on ENFH, to not be on vacations or any medical leave while the data collection. In order to analyze the empirical material were used Content Analysis fundamentals on the thematic modality. Results: The majority of professionals have fragilities on the knowledge about the occupational risks, hence raising their vulnerability in getting sick due to work. The speeches revealed the following risks: the overburden of the labour, deviations of their original function, localization of Basic Health Unit, inadequacy on the structure, presence of environmental noise, insecurity, harassment ethical and the contamination by biological agents. Conclusion: There is a possibility of broadening the discussion about occupational risks and biosafety in the Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences academic spaces and, consequently, the reorientation of the practices performed at ENFH. It is necessary a new perspective that will bring transformations in the Health Unic System performance stage based on interprofessional actions. DESCRIPTORS: Speech. Language and Hearing Sciences. Occupational Risks. Worker’s Health. Public Health.