OBJECTIVE: Absenteeism among civil servants of the municipality of Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, is mainly due to illness. The objective of this study was to assess sick leaves (SL) among municipal workers. Methodology: Information regarding SL was collected at the Health Management for Municipal Servants in the Municipal Department of Health in Porto Alegre. SL > 15 days granted between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2005 were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 14,779 SL > 15 days were granted in the period. In 2004, 1,963 workers received 6,522 SL, at a ratio of 3.3 SL per worker; in 2005, 2,262 workers were granted 8,257 SL, at a ratio of 3.6. Considering a significance of 5%, a difference was observed between the ratios of SL > 15 days granted in 2004 and in 2005. The number of lost work days amounted to 311,721. The rate of illness absenteeism among civil servants from the city administration of Porto Alegre was 3,9% in 2004 and 3.7% in 2005. Mental and behavioral disorders were the main causes for absenteeism (39.59%). The department with the highest sick leave rate in the period was the Sports Department. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of these data may contribute to more effective action in preventing and managing absenteeism, so as to decrease the observed rates.
illness absenteeism; worker's health; civil servants; public management; occupational health
