PROMOTION OF ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS AT WORK

Resumo

This research investigated aspects of the process of reintegration into work for people who have acquired a disability due to an accident at work, from the perspective of human resources professionals. These professionals tend to be directly involved in organisational support and work reintegration actions in cases of illness and accidents that lead to time off work, pointing to the need to listen to them. Accidents at work are the main health problem for workers and, in addition to the financial impact on organisations and health systems, can have social consequences that violate the fundamental rights of workers and their families. However, there is still little academic debate on disabilities acquired as a result of accidents at work, and there is a lack of studies on the process of returning to organisations after work-related or non-work-related absences. This study is based on the hypothesis that in cases where an accident at work results in an acquired disability, the repercussions can go beyond issues related to physical and psychological rehabilitation, and cover other aspects, such as relations with the organisational context. Based on a qualitative approach, 21 professionals were interviewed, most of whom had an academic degree in psychology or administration, and the interviews were analysed using the thematic content analysis method. The interviews were conducted using video communication programs, audio-recorded and then transcribed. The study was part of a research programme approved by the Research Ethics Committee. The development of actions to accompany the rehabilitation process of people who have acquired a disability or some other physical sequelae due to accidents at work was observed. In reintegration, organisational practices could range from adapting the work environment and the positions the workers occupied to reassigning them to different positions or creating jobs tailored to the needs of each rehabilitated person. However, individuality and informality characterised many organisational practices to support rehabilitation and the return of workers, which were positively or negatively influenced by the worker's professional history in the organisation before the accident. It can be concluded that support and return to work of rehabilitated people can be influenced by explicit factors, such as the demand for architectural adaptations, but also implicit and subjective factors, such as whether the person is considered a “good” worker. These issues impact the possibilities of reintegrating these workers, by influencing the willingness of companies to relocate rehabilitated workers or make adjustments to jobs that are appropriate to the needs of people with acquired disabilities. Recognising that subjective aspects can affect the chances of reintegration into work for people with disabilities acquired as a result of accidents at work can help draw up protocols to ensure that the same organisational practices and policies are adopted for all people who suffer accidents in this context. Systematised actions in this area can thus mitigate the interference of prejudiced attitudes in labour relations, enable more equitable conditions of inclusion for rehabilitated workers and guarantee access to work as a fundamental human right.