Work ability of recyclers: a study with workers of small-sized cities in Brazil

Abstract

This research aimed to identify the relationship between the work ability index (WAI) of recyclers and their working conditions. To this end, 63 workers from the recycling materials area participated in this quantitative research study. The research took place in three small towns located in São Paulo State, Brazil using the Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire. The results show that there were no significant differences (p-value > 0.05) between regions and between the technologies used in the recycling processes (mechanical aid-conveyor). The covariates age, marital status and gender did not show statistical significance (p>0.05) on the responses for the WAI questionnaire. An important additional finding of the research was a positive future outlook by the respondents of the questionnaire - despite the hard work in harmful conditions. The small number of participants in the research, the similarity of work conditions in the three locations and similarity of socio-demographic aspects of the participants may explain part of the results. The research raises some interesting points that may contribute to public policies for recyclers and improvement of work ability knowledge.

Keywords: Aging; Work; Recycling; WAI