The State Reference Center for Workers’ Health at the 5th Conference: Strengths and limitations

Abstract

This experience report analyzes the work of the State Reference Center for Workers’ Health of Espírito Santo, Brazil, in the context of the preparatory agenda for the 5th National Conference on Workers’ Health (CNSTT). It aims to contribute by informing debate and supporting the construction of technically grounded policy proposals. A total of 52 actions were identified between January 2024 and February 2025. Capacity-building initiatives focusing on the 5th CNSTT and social control proved essential, reinforcing the need for professional retention policies through a structured career plan. Institutional support for regional services proved to be more effective when coordinated through state-level governance structures, suggesting the promotion of their integration. Recognizing Workers’ Health as a Human Right and its symbolic dimension, the report proposes the development of an inter-institutional training program for social control, involving institutions historically engaged in the field and newly formed social movement collectives. By promoting territorially grounded and meaningful engagement by social actors, this strategy enhances participatory governance, also encompassing the improvement and qualification of the technical relevance of proposals in the field of Workers’ Health.