OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CHALLENGES IN PUBLIC SAFETY INSTITUTIONSIN MINAS GERAIS

Abstract

This paper analyzes the challenges of implementing Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management in public security institutions in the state of Minas Gerais, focusing on the Military Police, Civil Police, and Fire Department. Considering the high-risk nature of the activities performed by these professionals, the need for effective structures focused on preventing occupational injuries, promoting health, and valuing workers is evident. The research adopts a qualitative and descriptive approach, based on a documentary analysis of regulatory standards and official data extracted from the Minas Gerais Public Security Yearbook (2024), the Brazilian Public Security Yearbook (2024), the Public Security Map (2024), and the Profile of Public Security Institutions (2023). The results demonstrate institutional weaknesses in compliance with OHS guidelines, a lack of systematized data on police victimization, such as injuries, occupational diseases, and suicide, and a lack of specific training on occupational safety. The regulatory framework for these corporations' activities is also limited, as they are classified as having a risk level inadequate for operational realities. Therefore, we propose unifying state OSH guidelines, reviewing risk classification, including technical content in training courses, and strengthening prevention policies, with an emphasis on mental health and continuous monitoring protocols. OSH management, if implemented with a technical foundation and in line with police realities, represents an essential strategy for preserving life, improving working conditions, and institutional efficiency.