LAUSR

When the Dam I of Córrego do Feijão mine ruptured, in the municipality of Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil, on 25/01/2019, the released mudflow of iron mining residues caused environmental, human, social, cultural and economic damages in 18 municipalities. It also resulted in psychosocial suffering for all the populace and 272 immediate deaths, 259 of which were occupational accidents, thus being considered the largest expanded occupational accident in Latin America. In this context, the public health workers involved in the care of affected populations presented risks of developing mental illness. The team in the Workeŕs Health Reference Centre (Cerest) observed signs of mental suffering in multiple Primary Health Care workers of Brumadinho. Cerest professionals proposed the realization of therapeutic groups, which did not occur due to the high level of demand generated by the accident. As such, individual consultations were provided by 3 psychologists on duty, on the workplaces that had more complaints. 20 workers with symptoms like insomnia, fatigue and body aches were assisted.Among the 20 patients, 2 were referred to specialized treatment and 3 left the municipality. As such, despite having shown positive effects, the results from this therapeutic approach are not final. The consultations and formal identification of this demand based the creation of a care project centered in therapeutic groups for workers of the health system and other public sectors, like social assistance. This experience shows that the mental health of the response and repair workers was severely neglected. Said professionals, once inserted in a context of high demands and urgency, were not only subjected to more distress, but also had limited opportunities to seek or receive care. As an expanded occupational accident, the unique perspective from teams specialized in occupational health played a key role in this practice, which facilitated the proper assistance required for such a scenario. This experience reaffirms the need to include health care measures, including mental health, for workers responsible for assisting populations affected by disasters. Worker’s Health Reference Centres of the Brazilian public healthcare system have a prominent role in health vigilance and assistance for all workers affected by expanded occupational accidents.