Causes of absenteeism and implementation of Regulatory Standard No. 36 in a beef processing plant: challenges in preventing musculoskeletal injuries and diseases

Introduction: Absenteeism among meat processing workers is high and mainly associated with the use of sharp hand tools, high production speeds, and adverse environmental and psychological factors. Objectives: To identify the main causes of absenteeism in a beef processing plant and evaluate the effectiveness of legal regulations, such as Regulatory Standard No. 36, in preventing absenteeism. Methods: We conducted an exploratory qualitative study to identify the causes and quantify the levels of absenteeism based on sociodemographic data and analysis of medical documents, according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems - 10th Revision. Sick-leave data recorded by the company's health department between 2015 and 2018 were analyzed, covering the deboning, slaughter, and evisceration operational areas. Additionally, interviews were conducted with staff members from the Safety Engineering and Occupational Medicine Department. Results: The main causes of absenteeism were injuries and external causes and musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusions: Even with the implementation of Regulatory Standard No. 36, which specifically aims to prevent accidents and illnesses in meat processing plants, the rates of absenteeism remain high. These findings indicate that legal regulations, although specific, have proven insufficient to effectively prevent health issues and ensure the well-being of workers in the Brazilian meat packing industry.