INTRODUCTION: There are little information regarding the work conditions of the worker involved with the waste recycle and the effects of such activity. AIM: To investigate the work environment, the posture and the profile of the workers involved with the waste recycle of the non-governmental organization Associação Reciclar Reciclando a Vida (RRV) in Londrina, Brazil. METHODS: The quali-quantitative research was performed with 18 workers involved with the waste recycle by interviewing them, using a questionnaire including general information and data related to the work activity and by using a check list related to the work environment. RESULTS: The study group has been involved with the activity of waste recycle for 3[0,8-8] years. Regarding the systemic diseases, 22% reported high blood pressure and heart diseases and 39% headache. The incidence of pain in the upper limbs increased after working with the waste recycle (p = 0,04) and there was also a tendency of increase of pain in the lower limbs and in the neck (p = 0.08) increased after working with the waste recycle. Regarding the work environment, insalubrious conditions were identified, there was an unpleasant smell and none of the workers used safety equipment. Regarding the postures adopted during the activities, many workers remain standing and carry weight most of the time. CONCLUSION: The activity of the worker involved with the waste recycle is related to the inadequate work environment and postures adopted during the activity. The profile of the worker involved in this activity is mainly women with low educational degree and income.
Recycle; Environment; Work environment; Posture
