Risk analysis of Waste Collection Workers in COVID-19 Pandemic period - Case Study

Abstract

The decomposition processes of organic matter also through pathogenic microorganisms resulting in the generation of toxic and leachate gases that, if not effectively managed, can result in serious environmental impacts, contaminating the air, the soil, as well as human health. Workers connected to the collection of urban waste carry out the handling often improperly due to the absence of Personal Protective Equipment, being exposed to various contaminations. This work aims to analyze, in a succinct way, the possible impacts caused on the health of street sweepers, mainly during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The study took placefrom the on-site observation of the collection workers in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. The analysis of conformity and non-conformity in the use of PPE by street sweepers was based on NR-6/2018 during the monitoring of routes performed during the day and night. It was found that most of the garbage collectors who were working on the collection were not in compliance with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent exposure to occupational risks in the collection activity.