Coletores de lixo no Brasil em 2013: análise sobre condições de trabalho e saúde / Waste collectors in Brazil 2013: analysis on working and health conditions

Os catadores de materiais recicláveis podem ser considerados elementos-chave no processo de sustentabilidade ambiental, desempenhando importantes atividades para o tratamento adequado dos resíduos sólidos. Este trabalho visa analisar a dinâmica de trabalho e as condições de saúde dos coletores de lixo no Brasil no ano de 2013 e estabelecer comparações com a totalidade dos trabalhadores ocupados em outras profissões. Foram utilizados os dados quantitativos da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013 a partir de modelagem estatísticas. Pôde-se constatar que homens, mais velhos, com baixa escolaridade, de cor/raça preta ou parda, com baixa remuneração e que fazem uso do tabaco e/ou do álcool diariamente apresentam mais chances de ocuparem a profissão de catador. Os resultados retratam que os trabalhadores da coleta de materiais recicláveis do Brasil constituem uma fração da força de trabalho bastante vulnerável, sendo necessário que os agentes governamentais de saúde enfrentem a problemática das condições de trabalho e saúde dos catadores

The recyclable materials pickers can be seen as key elements in the process of environmental sustainability, performing important activities for the adequate treatment of solid waste. This study aims to analyze the dynamics of both work and health conditions of waste collectors in Brazil in the year of 2013 and to establish comparisons with the total number of workers in other professions. Was used the quantitative data of the 2013 National Health Survey were explored through statistics models. The results show that men, older, with less education, from black or brown color/race, with low salary and use tabaco and/or drink alcohol on a daily basis present a higher chance of occupying profession of a waste collector. The results show that the workers who collect recyclable materials constitute a fraction of the work force very vulnerable It is necessary that the government health agents face the problematic conditions of both the work and health of the collectors

Prevalencia de accidentes de trabajo en trabajadores recolectores de basura en Asunción, Paraguay. 2013-2014 / Prevalence of accident at work among garbage collectors in Asunción, Paraguay. 2013-2014

Los recolectores de basura, considerados trabajadores de alto riesgo, están expuestos a una variedad de riesgos profesionales y no profesionales. Las tasas de accidentes ocupacionales en este grupo no se conocen en Paraguay. El objetivo del estudio fue estimar y comparar la prevalencia de accidentes de trabajo en los recolectores de basura formales e informales de Asunción, Paraguay, para lo cual se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal. La prevalencia de accidentes de trabajo y su asociación con factores sociodemográficos, condiciones de empleo y trabajo fueron examinadas en 309 trabajadores (186 formales y 123 informales) mediante un cuestionario estructurado. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva, análisis bivariante (test de chi2) y regresión logística ajustada. Los trabajadores formales eran de más edad (57% más de 40 años), todos hombres y mejor educados (82% completo nivel básico) comparado al grupo informal (7% más de 40 años, 68% varones y 30% completo nivel básico). La prevalencia de accidentes de trabajo entre los formales fue de 37.5% vs. 29.5% comparando con los informales (p=0.1). Luego de ajustes con potenciales confusores no se encontró diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos (OR: 1.8; 95% CI= 0.82-3.88). Factores de riesgos significativos fueron el no uso de guantes (OR: 1.84; CI= 1.01-3.05) y peores condiciones de seguridad (OR: 2.44; CI=1.3-4.7). Los factores de riesgo conocidos (educación, condiciones de trabajo, las condiciones de salud, trabajo por turnos) están presentes en ambos grupos, pero no explican los accidentes. Son necesarias más investigaciones e intervenciones en salud ocupacional en esta actividad laboral.

Garbage collector is a high-risk job, with exposure to a variety of occupational and non-occupational factors. Total injury rates of occupational accidents in these workers are not known in Paraguay, the aim of the study was to estimate and to compare the prevalence of accidents at work in formal and informal garbage collectors of Asunción, Paraguay. Across-sectional study was conducted. The 12-months-prevalence of occupational accidents and its association with socio-demographic factors, employment and working conditions were examined using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis (chi square test) and adjusted logistic regression models were carried out. Formal workers were older (57% over 40 years old), all men and better educated (82% completed the first grade), compared to the informal group (7% over 40 years, 68% males and 30% completed the first grade). The 12-months-prevalence of occupational accidents among formal garbage collectors was 37.5% vs. 29.5% informal garbage collectors (p=0.1). Likewise, after adjustment for potential confounders no statistically significant difference between the two groups was found (Odds ratio 1.8; 95% CI= 0.82-3.88). Significant risk factors for 12-months prevalence of accidents were lack of gloves (1.84; CI= 1.01-3.05) and poor safetyconditions at the workplace (2.44; CI=1.3-4.7. Risk factors known are present in both groups (education, working condition, health condition, shift work) but not explain accidents. Therefore more researches and interventions on occupational health related on this activity are necessary.