Ourivesaria, joalharia e relojoaria: principais riscos e fatores de risco laborais, doenças profissionais associadas e medidas de proteção recomendadas

Introduction/Framework/Objectives: This sector includes the production of watches (and accessories), coins, filigree and jewelry (including possibly the insertion and work of semi-precious or precious stones). The main steps are sheet or wire casting or injection of molds and eventually rolling, drawing, machining, bathing, polishing, authentication (“contrast”) and packaging. During these processes the professionals in this sector are subject to several risks/risk factors, some of which are not widely disclosed; in addition, the generality of the bibliography consulted addresses specific and partial risks (and is scarce), and it is not easy to find a global perspective, at Occupational Health level. Methodology: The articles were selected using the PICo method. A search was conducted in September 2016 in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and Academic Search Complete”, as well as the RCAAP database. Content: These workers are sometimes exposed to various chemical agents (notably silicosis, nickel, nitrates, ammonium chloride, dyes with aniline, aqua regia and cadmium); May also present sustained postures and repetitive movements (which may lead to musculoskeletal injuries). The shifts may be prolonged and the illumination inadequate. Conclusions: The main risk factors associated with these professional sectors are exposure to chemical agents, ergonomic issues (maintained postures, repetitive movements) and visual effort. In terms of occupational diseases (in addition to associated musculoskeletal issues), silicosis is highlighted.