Workload of recyclable material collectors: a proposal for nursing care

Coelho, Alexa Pupiara Flores; Beck, Carmem Lúcia Colomé; Silva, Rosângela Marion da; Vedootto, Denise de Oliveira; Prestes, Francine Cassol

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Revista Gaúcha de Enfermagem

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Sumário

Original Article • Rev. Gaúcha Enferm. 39 • 2018 • https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-1447.2018.2018-0006 copy

Workload of recyclable material collectors: a proposal for nursing care

Authorship SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

To describe the perception of recyclable material collectors on their daily workloads; to present a proposal of nursing care towards the minimization of the effects of these workloads on the well-being of the collectors.

METHOD

Qualitative, convergent-care research with 11 recyclable material collectors from a Brazilian recycling association. Data production involved participant observation, semi-structured interviews and convergence groups from April to June 2015. The analysis followed the steps: apprehension, synthesis, theorization, transference.

RESULTS

Physical workloads were associated with noise, exposure to chemical and biological waste, unpleasant thermal sensation, floods, weight and repetitive movements. Psychic workloads were represented by worries and emotional exhaustion. The appreciation of the participants' reality and the dialogue were paramount to trigger the assistance action.

CONCLUSION

The intense workloads have physical and psychic repercussions; however, it is possible to minimize them through nursing actions.

Keywords:
Nursing; Occupational health; Workload; Solid waste segregators; Qualitative research; Community-based participatory research

Diseases and elements for potential diseases at work		Nursing guidance and strategies
Physical workload	Musculoskeletal pain and repetitive movements	- Demonstration of the correct way to squat (knees bent) and the incorrect one (flexing the column); - Demonstration of stretching exercises and the correct moments to do them (before and after work, at home at night), as to possibly diminish muscular distress resulting from physical efforts.
	Rain and humidity in the warehouse	- To use of coats, especially as transitioning between environments with different temperatures (internal and external warehouse environment); - To use of rubber boots made available or other types of sealed footwear at work.
	Broken glass, chemical and biological residues	- To use of the Individual Safety Equipment made available, especially the gloves. - To use of gloves and masks at all times.
	Weight	- To make better use of the forklift (oftentimes underused); - To work as a collective: never let the colleague move something too heavy by herself and ask for help, when needed.
	Hot days	- Water consumption: to have fresh water available in the warehouse for continuous use.
Psychic workload		- Revive team meetings: to maintain the routine of meetings, valuing the debate on the problems and formation of pacts; - Valuing the communication and collective work.

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Escola de Enfermagem Rua São Manoel, 963 -Campus da Saúde , 90.620-110 - Porto Alegre - RS - Brasil, Fone: (55 51) 3308-5242 / Fax: (55 51) 3308-5436 - Porto Alegre - RS - Brazil
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[1] Corresponding author:
Alexa Pupiara Flores Coelho. alexa.p.coelho@hotmail.com