Introduction Considering the need to deepen the understanding of inequities in occupational health, this study aimed to describe the prevalence of work accidents and occupational musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the Brazilian population, analysing gender inequalities.

Methods Cross-sectional study with secondary data from the 2013 Brazilian National Health Survey, with a representative sample of the Brazilian population, including 60 202 individuals. Descriptive statistics were used to present the social and demographic variables and the occurrence of the outcome. Chi-square was performed to test differences between groups.

Results A prevalence of MSD was 2.2 times higher in females compared to males (prevalence of 3.3% and 1.5%, respectively). The prevalence of occupational accidents was 47% lower among women compared to men (prevalence of 1.4% and 3.1%, respectively).

Discussion Although MSD and work accidents have a seemingly low prevalence in relative values, absolute numbers of cases are worrying, showing a non-favourable picture for working population health. Theses inequalities on health outcomes occurrences can be partially explained by the unequal way that men and women are inserted in Brazilian working market