Alternativas mitigadoras de riscos ocupacionais no exercício profissional de catadores de materiais recicláveis vinculados à ARENSA, Campina Grande – PB

Abstract

The waste pickers perform an important public utility service in the current context of the cities, working in waste pickers which, when discarded, would occupy more space in landfills and dumps. The Law 12.305/10 recognizes, appreciates and clarifies the importance of active participation of the category with the government regarding the management of solid waste. However, the reality experienced by these professionals is characterized as unhealthy due to poor infrastructure and lack of technologies to develop their activities, favoring a danger scenario a nd exposure to occupational hazards and damage to health. This work aimed to evaluate, develop and implement technological and infrastructure alternatives to reduce occupational hazards in the professional practice of waste pickers linked to ARENSA, Campina Grande-PB. The participant survey was conducted from October 2014 to December 2015 with 16 waste pickers associated with ARENSA (Waste Pickers Association of Community Nossa Senhora Aparecida) operating in Campina Grande-PB. It found the frequency and severity of physical risks (exposure to sunlight and temperature changes), chemical (dust, smoke) biological (exposure to microorganisms and macrovetores), ergonomic (intense physical effort, lifting and manual transport weight; requirement of poor posture, prolonged use of voice, conflict and stress) and accidents (fires; sharps; landslides bags of pedestrian accidents and falls). To reduce the source of the danger and minimize risks to improving the working environment were developed three social technologi es: a collapsible cart for collection of solid waste with dimensions 100x120x150cm, dry weight 55 kg; a trolley platform for transport bags and bales during screening for packaging measuring 100x120x480cm and support for 350 kg; a dimension in sorting table 200x100x100cm and 20 cm depth. The technologies were developed with the participation of workers and observing the dynamics of work and ergonomic parameters in order to reduce the physical effort of the group. One can gauge the effectiveness in mitigating the ergonomic and accidents with lifting and carrying weight reduction, lower demand for improper posture and aggravating diseases physical health of the worker. To reduce accidents by trampling have changed the uniforms with reflective fabric application (NBR 15292/2013), peaked at other positive impacts, such as professional development. Besides the acquisition of personal protective equipment (boots, gloves, rain gear, protective cap and Arabic glasses) enabled the worker protection with regard to exposure to physical, chemical, biological. So the alternatives applied favored the reduction of occupational hazards, contributing to the implementation of activities and the appreciation of the profession waste pickers.