Farias VM, Gomes RM. The contribution of downsizing to workplace accidents: the case of an oil refinery. Interface (Botucatu). 2026; 30: e230551 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/interface.230551
Abstract
The aim of this case study was to analyze the contribution of downsizing to a fatal workplace accident at a Brazilian oil refinery in 2014 based on the findings of the accident investigation. Triangulation was used, combing literature review, documentary research and semi-structured interviews with oil workers. The discussion addresses the intensification of work as one of the consequences of downsizing, resulting in longer work hours and a deterioration in safety, posing a danger, especially in complex sociotechnical systems. It is concluded that the pursuit of maximum exploitation within the framework of contemporary capitalism under conditions of flexible accumulation causes companies to resist replenishing their reduced operational workforce, thereby imposing various health hazards on workers, including, in many cases, the loss of life.
Keywords
Workplace accidents; Oil and gas industry; Occupational health; Social determinants of health and disease; Workforce reduction
Access in: https://doi.org/10.1590/interface.230551
