Self-perception of health and working conditions among waste pickers at Gualeguaychu Ecopark

Introduction: Waste pickers play a crucial role in urban waste management, and their health can be affected by their working conditions. Objective: To describe self-perceived health and working conditions among waste pickers at Gualeguaychu Ecopark. Methodology: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 48 surveys were administered regarding working conditions and the health-disease-care process. A general frequency analysis of variables was performed, stratified by gender and age groups. Results: 85.4% of waste pickers expressed satisfaction or high satisfaction with their work, rising to 100% among women. Self-perceived risk factors include: contact with diapers, toilet paper, sanitary towels, gauze, and cotton (93.8%); contact with needles, metals, and glass (>90%); exposure to extreme heat or cold (89.6%); repetitive movements (87.5%); annoying noises (72.9%); and heavy lifting (58.3%). Regarding protective measures, 93.8% reported using them consistently, and 74.5% stated that the equipment is provided by the cooperative. The main health problems reported were musculoskeletal (58.3%), neurological (41.7%), ocular (27.1%), dermatological (22.9%), respiratory (20.8%), and digestive (16.7%) issues. A 75% of waste pickers only belong to the public healthcare system, and 89.6% seek care at a public healthcare facility when they have a problem. Conclusion: Organizing waste pickers into a cooperative allows the establishment of minimum standards regarding working conditions.