Segurança e sustentabilidade em harmonia: um modelo de gerenciamento de riscos para cooperativas de reciclagem

Abstract

Population growth and intensified urbanization have increased the production of solid waste, increasing the environmental impact and risks to public health. In Brazil, the National Solid Waste Policy highlights waste pickers' cooperatives as essential actors in selective collection, waste reduction in landfills, and environmental preservation. Despite the importance of their role, these workers face harsh conditions, exposed to risks that compromise both their safety and the effectiveness of recycling cooperatives. In this context, the present research proposes the development of an occupational safety policy for a cooperative of recyclable material collectors, articulating risk management practices with sustainability principles. Adopting a field methodology based on direct observation, the study used the Preliminary Risk Analysis (PRA) technique to identify the main occupational hazards and propose mitigation measures. The results revealed physical, chemical, biological, accident-related, and ergonomic risks. The analysis made it possible to identify and assess the risks through a qualitative and semi-qualitative approach, highlighting the sorting sector as the one with the highest number of risks associated with the activities of the cooperative members, while the baling sector showed the highest levels of severity due to inadequate adaptations made to facilitate the activities. Based on the results, a proposal for a comprehensive occupational safety policy was prepared, contemplating preventive and corrective measures, such as the installation of emergency stop buttons on the conveyor belts, the proper use of PPE by all cooperative members, the restructuring of lighting in critical areas and the acquisition of appropriate equipment, such as a lifting conveyor or winch in the horizontal press, to minimize ergonomic discomfort. The policy also includes the creation of a detailed risk map, which can serve as a strategic tool for the implementation of future improvements.