Occupational stress during the pandemic and the relationship with occupational accidents: a case study in a food industry

Purpose: to analyze the correlations between occupational stress and occupational accidents in the production sector of a food industry in the city of Tr & ecirc;s Rios/RJ, during the pandemic outbreak. Method/approach: the research was characterized as exploratory and followed a qualitative approach with the use of the case study technique. For data collection, semi -structured interviews were conducted with a sample consisting of fifteen workers, and the data was analyzed using the discourse analysis method. Main findings: the main stressors were linked to organizational and interpersonal aspects existing in the industry. As a result, such stressors contributed to the generation of physical accidents at work, where there was the occurrence of minor cuts and burns on the workers, especially among older individuals and those with more experience in the industry. It was observed, in this case, that the Covid-19 pandemic potentiated the recurrence of stress and occupational accidents, because, due to the withdrawal of those infected by the new coronavirus, an overload of work began on the individuals who remained in the sector to meet the production demand. Theoretical, practical/social contributions: this study contributes to the literature by providing theoretical subsidies about the existing correlations between occupational stress and accidents at work. In managerial terms, the study provides a diagnosis of the risks that affect the physical and mental integrity of the workers, thus subsidizing the managers in decision making for improvements in the labor context of these workers. Originality/relevance: the study is relevant for addressing, in an associated way, the existing correlations between occupational stress and accidents at work in a recent and unprecedented period in human history, which is the COVID-19 pandemic.