Work situation and physical workload of refuse collectors in three different time periods (original) (raw)
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A Sight Over the Health of Waste Pickers: An Analytical Framework Proposition
Ambiente & Sociedade
This study aims to identify articles focused on the waste picker’s health to support the construction of an analytical framework that considers the individual and the environment in the scope of their labor activity. For this purpose, it is intended to answer the following question: which aspects can be considered in the analysis of the waste picker’s health in their labor activity? Methodologically, it has an exploratory nature and use the Systematic Review of Literature. The results pointed out to four categories of analysis grouped into the following aspects: meanings, individual, activity and environment. The analytical framework proposed presents contributions for an extended understanding of waste picker’s health, its aspects and interrelationships. Finally, it is suggested that empirical studies could be carried out to validate the proposed structure.
2016
Due to the peculiarities of the tasks performed, the area of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) has a long tradition in implementing risk prevention plans. But are these plans equally received by workers involved in the production chain? This research explores the concerns and worries of MSW sector em-ployees in the Southern Spanish region of Andalusia; it deals with aspects of their work that may affect their health and that can be directly related to the plans and programs designed for the prevention of occupational hazards applied by their companies. The study is conducted through the multivari-ate statistical unfolding model and the graphic sets it generates. Perceptual maps are analyzed from a representative sample of household MSW workers doing business in Andalusia. The variables studied correspond to 18 work-related issues that can affect their health, such as lighting, body posture and positioning, physical exertion, noise and exposure to toxic substances. The aim is to create a m...
Occupational Hazards among Refuse collectors
Background: Municipal solid waste management, particularly in developing countries, involve manual or semi-automated handling of the waste materials. This exposes the waste collectors to physical, biological and chemical hazards [1] that could easily lead to injuries and diseases where adequate safety precautions and practices are not put in place. Solid waste collection and disposal in Port Harcourt metropolis is undertaken by the Rivers State Waste Management Authority with the use of contractors that employ predominantly manual procedures in their work that exposes the staff to hazards. This study was undertaken to identify the occupational hazards and safety practices among refuse collectors in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study design was employed for this study using a sample of 310 refuse collectors who were selected by a multistage sampling procedure. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Additionally, a walk-through was conducted at 10 different sites of refuse collection. The data collected was analysed using Epi-info version 7. Original Research Article Miwano et al.; AJMAH, 13(3): 1-9, 2018; Article no.AJMAH.45368 2 Results: The findings from this study revealed that refuse collectors are exposed to physical, chemical & biological, psychosocial and ergonomics hazards in proportions of 72.08%, 94.9%, 39.32% and 48.65% respectively. On safety practices, 24.0% had good safety practices while a majority of 75.93% had bad safety practices. Some of the safety measures identified from the study included the provision of clean water and soap, maintenance of equipment, job rotation and traffic control amongst others. Conclusion: This study revealed that refuse collectors in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area are at risk of exposure to many occupational hazards which is a big problem because the workers generally lack any form of safety protection against these hazards. Majority of them have not engaged in any safety training. It is necessary that adequate personal protective equipment is provided for them to reduce their exposure to these hazards and quality safety training also provided for them to improve their knowledge of the dangers they are exposed to and teach them ways to keep themselves protected.
BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
Background Assessing physical workload is the most important step in deciding whether a workload is high and adopting appropriate control strategies to reduce physical workload. This study aimed to compare physical workload and Physical Work Capacity (PWC) among municipality cleaners in Shiraz to determine the number of workers needed to counterbalance physical workload. Methods The present cross-sectional study was performed on 97 municipality cleaners in Shiraz. In the first step, the participants' maximum aerobic capacity (VO2-max) was estimated in the laboratory using an ergometer bicycle and the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) protocol, based on which the PWC was estimated. Secondly, energy expenditure and heart rate during work were measured using a POLAR400 device in an eight-hour shift. At the end of the work shift, the workers’ perceived physical exertion was assessed using a Rating of Perceived Exertion 6–20 (RPE 6–20) Borg scale. In the final stage, the physi...