Occupational health information system: Challenges and perspectives in the Brazilian unified health system (SUS)

This abstract presents a review of challenges and perspectives regarding the development of an occupational health information system in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). It stress the need to set up a process of continuous data collection, processing, analyzing and communication of information on workers health and its determinants, emphasizing occupational risks. The paper also address the need to support the training of health workers. It is also recommended to take into consideration the feasibility of database standardization that allows linkage and, improvement in the information technologies utilized in health services, especially in community health centers, following a coordinated state action. Both, the 3rd National Conference on the Workers Health, and the federal policy on workers safety and health have been promoting a debate on the occupational health information system and the need to give priority in the SUS national planning. The proximity of the academic and labor union agendas are pointed as a relevant support to an occupational health information system, that need to be able to strengthen health promotion and prevention and an effective social participation in the SUS management organization.