Work and Health in the Informal Economy in Brazil: a case study of unregulated workers in urban and rural areas

Introduction
In, 2009, 212 million individuals were unemployed and 1.5 billion were under-employed, remaining in an unsafe and vulnerable condition, such as individuals working on their own account and family workers (ILO, 2009). In 2002, 45.2% of workers paid Social Security taxes in Brazil. The fact that 54.8% of the Economically Active Population in this country had no social protection is very concerning. Informal and unregulated workers with a low level of education and income live in poverty and inequality. This study aims to understand the forms of work exploitation, domination and impoverishment, this particular sector of the economy and its consequences on workers’ life, health, and work in rural and urban areas.

Methods
The health, working and life conditions of informal and unregulated workers in urban and rural environments were understood according to a case study and a qualitative and quantitative approach. Four occupations were studied: street vendors, recyclable material or garbage collectors, orange pickers, and lobster fishermen.

Results
The consequences of poor working conditions on workers’ physical and mental health are dangerous. Occupational accidents and diseases are serious and frequent. The risks of occurrence of forms of violence such as robberies, attempted murders, traffic accidents, pedestrian accidents and physical and verbal aggression are present in the daily lives of these workers, especially in urban areas. The occupations studied have the following characteristics: intense work pace; low income; and lack of opportunities, health care and legal protection, among others. 

Discussion
Employment in the informal economy and its consequences on workers’ health, occupational accidents and diseases should cause national and international organizations to be concerned. The policy of social inclusion of unregulated workers should occur under decent working conditions, including legal protection; labor, social security and health rights; health and occupational safety guarantees; and respect in working relationships.