COVID-19 among slaughterhouse workers: relationship between worker’s health and food safety

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the entire society, as well as different work processes. The food industry remained operational since the first cases were reported in Brazil, and activities were only interrupted by municipal health surveillance agencies when COVID-19 cases were identified among workers. This has raised the debate about worker’s health and sanitary measures in the work environment. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the number of COVID-19 cases between March and September of 2020 among slaughterhouse workers in the state of Paraná and its correlation with food security policies. METHODS: This was a quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive study that analyzed secondary data from the Health Department of the state of Paraná, Brazil. RESULTS: A significant number of COVID-19 cases were reported among slaughterhouse workers in Paraná. The importance of workers’ health and food security should be discussed, including aspects such as food production, quality, and access. The workers included in this study represent an important workforce that influences food supply to different regions and countries. Considering that the virus is highly contagious and has impacted the lives of local workers and entire communities, the role of the government and collective actions should be emphasized. CONCLUSIONS: The monitoring of health surveillance agencies and new cases should be conducted as a strategy to promote prevention and care during the pandemic.