Introduction: Handcrafted shipbuilding plays a vital role in the production of traditional
wooden boats for navigation on the Amazon rivers. However, many ship carpenters
face unhealthy conditions and health risks, such as exposure to toxic substances and
the impacts of climate change. These challenges can lead to long-term health
problems, exacerbated by the lack of adequate protective equipment, affecting not only
their ability to work but also their daily activities. Objective: To examine the perception
of artisanal boatbuilders, located in the city of Bragança/PA, regarding health,
perceived risks in shipyards, and self-protection strategies to prevent accidents.
Methods: A qualitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional approach was used.
Interviews were conducted with six artisanal ship carpenters, aged between 44 and
67, from different shipyards in Bragança. Participants were selected from previously
identified shipyards and recommendations from other professionals, keeping their
identities protected through pseudonyms. The interviews, adapted from a previous
project, took place in the shipyards during working hours. Data analysis followed
Bardin's content analysis methodology, with the organization and coding of responses
using NVivo software to identify main themes and subthemes. The study was
conducted with proper ethical approval, ensuring the privacy, confidentiality, and
consent of participants, respecting all ethical guidelines for research involving humans.
Results: Carpenters discussed work-related risks, such as physical accidents when
handling heavy materials and the use of toxic chemicals in boat construction. Aware
of these risks, they adopted preventive measures, such as using appropriate safety
equipment. In terms of self-care, they highlighted the importance of clear
communication during high-risk operations, shared responsibility for taking care of less
experienced colleagues, and additional precautions due to the remote location of the
shipyards. They mentioned a shift to more traditional tools after previous incidents and
emphasized collaboration and teamwork to reduce risks in handling heavy materials.
Conclusion: Their awareness of work hazards underscores the need for preventive
measures and a safety culture, demonstrating a proactive approach to accident
prevention. Although the research has limitations, such as geographical restrictions in
worker participation, it is the first in the region to address the health of these
professionals. Specific occupational health interventions, training to reduce risks, and
exploring the relationship between organizational culture and mental health are
recommended. Future studies and collaborative strategies are proposed to enhance
the health and safety of these workers.
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