Department of Geography, University of Victoria, P.O. Box 3060, STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 3R4, Canada.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2013 Sep 27;10(10):4607-27. doi: 10.3390/ijerph10104607.
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.
尽管非正规废品收集者有时会组织成合作社，但他们的工作条件仍然极其不稳定和不安全。本文讨论了在巴西圣保罗大都市地区与多个回收团体进行的以行动为导向、参与性的定性研究的结果。在与回收者一起进行的工作坊中，绘图、表演和绘画方法有助于揭示从可回收材料的收集、分离和运输中产生的健康危害。主要的健康问题与化学和生物危害、肌肉骨骼损伤、机械创伤和情绪健康不佳有关。最近联邦固体废物管理立法为将回收合作社纳入选择性废物收集开辟了新途径。然而，我们表示需要考虑回收团体的独特特征和脆弱性，在这些社会企业中开发更安全的工作环境。我们还建议对工作空间进行人体工程学组织，并定期开展关于选择性废物收集的公众意识运动，以提高源头分类的质量。引入电动手推车可以进一步减少健康压力。这项研究使我们更好地了解了回收者的工作及其相关的健康风险。互动式定性研究方法允许共同创造和调动关于回收合作社健康和安全的特定知识。
