Comparison of two methods of sorting recyclable materials on posture among trash sorters in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

. The aim of the present study was to compare postural exposure between two methods of sorting recyclable materials: manual sorting on a fixed work surface and the use of conveyor belts. . Postures and movements of the head, upper back and upper arms were recorded during 2 h among 40 workers using inclinometers. Sociodemographic variables were collected with the aid of a standardized questionnaire and musculoskeletal symptoms were evaluated using the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. . The angular velocity of the head, upper back and upper arms was significantly higher when sorting on a fixed work surface compared to the conveyor belt method. Upper arm elevation was also higher on the fixed work surface. . The conveyor belt method showed lower angular velocities during the manual sorting of recyclable materials compared to a fixed work surface.