The implementation of work environment surveillance by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS): the experience of the State Reference Center for Worker’s Health (Cesat) in Bahia

Abstract Objective: to describe and characterize the actions and results of the work environments’ surveillance actions developed by the Centro Estadual de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador - Cesat (State Reference Center for Worker’s Health). Methods: descriptive study using technical documents generated by the surveillance inspections developed in work environments by the Cesat in the state of Bahia, Brazil, from 2004 to 2013. Results: we analyzed 283 surveillance reports carried out in 211 companies from 25 branches of economic activities, most of them private chemical and petrochemical industries. The Public Prosecutor’s Office demanded the majority of the actions. The main reasons for the inspections were mapping risks and verifying compliance with control recommendations. We identified a processual character of the actions, that is, they are continuous and systematic, as well as intersectoral and interdisciplinary approaches, besides workers’ participation. The inspections effectiveness was evidenced by the total ou partial compliance with the recommendations. Conclusions: Cesat has been well playing its role of structuring workers’ health surveillance actions in the state of Bahia. Our findings indicate that its performance can contribute to the evaluation and consolidation of SUS’ (Brazilian Unified Health System) work environment surveillance.