Accidents at work: Health risks for adolescents of two small towns of Sao Paulo State, Brazil

The study aims to estimate the prevalence of work accidents and associated risk factors among high school students, in two towns of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two public schools in each town. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted. Of 781 students, 604 had previously been or were currently working. Among current workers (n=555), 38% reported injuries in their current job. Risk factors for work injuries with statistically significant odds ratios >2.0 included: attending afternoon school; being a domestic worker, waiter or brickmaker; and working with dangerous machines. These results reinforce the need to restrict work hours, encourage school attendance, and implement economic development programmes.