A cross-sectional study on the environmental culture and occupational health of informal waste pickers in Lima, Peru

Abstract

Purpose To determine the level of environmental culture of the informal sector waste pickers and compliance with occupational health standards of informal waste pickers. Specific objectives: to explore the relationship between the level of environmental culture and compliance with occupational health standards: exposure to physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic agents in informal waste pickers in 2019. Methods Quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional, and non-experimental study. A sample of 400 informal waste pickers participated. Two questionnaires were applied: environmental culture and occupational health standards. Results There is a medium positive and weak positive relationship between the environmental culture variable and the different agents (physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic). There is a significant positive correlation between environmental culture and occupational health. Likewise, there is a weak positive significant correlation between environmental culture and agents (physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic), and a significant positive correlation between environmental culture and the social responsibility agent. Conclusions Informal waste pickers do not have their basic needs and rights met. A lack of occupational health safety characterizes informal recycling, so it is necessary to create formal and safe work environments with health promotion and prevention practices.