Occupational health promotion at a federal education institution: challenges and perspectives

INTRODUCTION: The Brazilian Federal Government developed the Occupational Health and Safety policy for the Federal Public Servant, supported by the following axes: health surveillance and promotion, health assistance for the civil servant, and medical surveillance expertise. As a federal public institution, the Federal Institute of Northern Minas Gerais (Instituto Federal do Norte de Minas Gerais) is responsible for implementing this policy. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the challenges and perspectives associated with the health care provided to the servants of the Federal Institute of Northern Minas Gerais. METHODS: This was a documentary and field study, with a qualitative and quantitative approach, conducted using documentary research and semi-structured interviews. The collected data were submitted to descriptive and categorical content analyses. RESULTS: The Federal Institute of Northern Minas Gerais still presents several problems in the consolidation and structuring of the Occupational Health and Safety policy for the Federal Public Servant. Among the main obstacles faced are the lack of governmental and institutional support and the precariousness of financial and human resources, mainly directed to the axis of health promotion and surveillance. The institution plans to conduct periodic medical examinations, the establishment of Internal Health Commissions for Public Servants, and the implementation of a mental health program. CONCLUSIONS: It is expected that the Federal Institute of Northern Minas Gerais will be able to perform better on the development of health policies and programs for its workers.