ABSTRACT
This article aimed to understand how stigma is experienced by necrotomists and the relationship they develop concerning risks of their activity. As regards to theory, we used the concepts of stigma and risk, linking them with elements of psychodynamics of work. Methodologically, individual semi-structured interviews and observations in the necropsy room were scheduled. For the data analysis, the option was for thematic content analysis. Necrotomists of the Department of Forensic Medicine of a Brazilian Northeastern city have participated in this study. Results indicated that: the intense stigmatization is associated with the popular ignorance about their activity and the nature of their work; the relationship of necrotomists with risks, including those produced by the experience of stigma, is mediated by an intensive use of defensive strategies that cannot contribute to positively transform work situations.
Keywords:
stigma; occupational safety; necrotomists