OBJECTIVE to investigate the socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle and health conditions related to fatigue and the work ability. METHODS a cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011 and the sample was composed by 90 workers from the supply center of Campinas. Three questionnaires were used: Fatigue; Work ability index; and socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS in the univariate regression analysis, the variables associated with work ability were: education, use of medicine, stress, pain in the last six months and pain in the last week. In univariate regression analysis the variables associated with fatigue were: education, stress, sleepiness, pain in the last six months, pain in the last week and health problems. CONCLUSIONS these results indicate the need for health promotion program implementation among these workers.