OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate aging associated to work conditions. METHOD: Eight hundred and seven forensic workers answered the questionnaire "Work Ability Index - WAI". The ergonomic conditions were analysed using a job analysis method - AET (Rohmert & Landau). RESULTS: The largest number of employees were mainly submitted to cognitive demands at work. The most reported diagnosed diseases were: muscleskeletal diseases (and lesions), neurological (including emotional disturbances), respiratory, digestive, skin and cardiovascular diseases. The analysis of the logistic regression models showed that: female workers, those with longer time on the job and job title of operational helper, increase the odds ratio to present low or moderate WAI. DISCUSSION: The results point out the need to improve the working conditions. It is suggested the implementation of Specialized Safety Engineering and Occupational Medicine Service, as it is demanded by the Federal Law 6,514 of 1977.
Aging; Work capacity evaluation; Ergonomics (environmental health); Public sector
