Participatory Research Revealing the Work and Occupational Health Hazards of Cooperative Recyclers in Brazil

Abstract

Although informal waste collectors are sometimes organized in cooperatives, their working conditions remain extremely precarious and unsafe. The paper discusses the findings of action oriented, participatory qualitative research with several recycling groups in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil. During workshops with the recyclers mapping, acting, and drawing methods helped reveal health hazards from collection, separation and transportation of recyclable materials. Major health problems relate to chemical and biological hazards, musculoskeletal damage, mechanical trauma and poor emotional wellbeing. The recent federal legislation on solid waste management opens new avenues for the inclusion of recycling cooperatives in selective waste collection. Nevertheless, we express the need to consider the distinctive characteristics and vulnerabilities of recycling groups, when developing safer work environments in these social businesses. We also suggest that the workspace be ergonomically organized and that public awareness campaigns about selective waste collection are conducted regularly to increase the quality of source separation. The introduction of electric hand pushed carts can further reduce health strains. This research has produced a better understanding of the work of the recyclers and related health risks. The interactive qualitative research methodology has allowed for the co-creation and mobilization of specific knowledge on health and safety in recycling cooperatives.

Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection among recyclable waste collectors in central Brazil

“…These fi ndings support previously reported data, reinforcing the importance of establishing educational and health policies that address the safety of this population 6,7,9,11,15 .…”

“…Despite its economic and environmental importance, this occupation is associated with unsafe and unhealthy working conditions. In addition, recyclable waste collectors have a lifestyle that is characterized by socioeconomic exclusion and stigmatization [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] .…”

Satisfaction and dissatisfaction in the work of recyclable solid waste segregators: convergent-care research

“…As there is the experience of handling critical situations related to work health in recycling cooperatives, participative studies are important, because they can promote these workers' visibility, as well as motivating improvements in their quality of life (7) . This points to perspectives for nursing in worker health studies, considering that understanding the dynamic between health and work is crucial in order for nurses to act in the construction of action plans directed at vulnerable workers (8) .…”

“…Research shows that, for some segregators, their work is ambiguous, meaning that they emphasize both the positive and negative aspects imposed by daily difficulties, alternating feelings of satisfaction and of suffering (4) . This reinforces the paradoxical character of the occupation, which can bring both health and disease, pleasure and suffering, satisfaction or its lack, and point to the need to analyze it in its various aspects.As there is the experience of handling critical situations related to work health in recycling cooperatives, participative studies are important, because they can promote these workers' visibility, as well as motivating improvements in their quality of life (7) . This points to perspectives for nursing in worker health studies, considering that understanding the dynamic between health and work is crucial in order for nurses to act in the construction of action plans directed at vulnerable workers (8) .…”

Comparação de duas técnicas parasitológicas na detecção de enteroparasitos em catadores no sul do Brasil

“…(4)(5) Estas infecções podem causar obstrução intestinal, diarréia e anemia, o que pode piorar a qualidade de vida e de trabalho destas pessoas. (6) Os trabalhadores que manuseiam os materiais recicláveis enfrentam problemas como a exclusão social e a hostilidade, sendo muitas vezes vistos com desprezo, além da insalubridade a qual estão expostos, (7) pois a atividade de triagem dos resíduos está predisposta a riscos como biológico, físico, químico, ergonômico e psicossocial, entre outros. O ambiente das cooperativas ainda não é o adequado, principalmente pelo contato direto do trabalhador com os resíduos que não sofreram correta segregação na fonte e foram destinados inadequadamente, tais como: resíduos de serviço de saúde, fraldas descartáveis, papel higiênico, alimentos, absorvente íntimo, pilhas e lâmpadas.…”