Analysis of Ergonomics in the Reuse and Recycling of Solid Materials in Brazilian Cooperatives

Abstract

With workers needing to find new sources of income, new possibilities for organizing work emerged in Brazil at the end of the 20th century. In this context, the solidarity economy, as a guide for the construction of self-management models in companies, influenced the creation of cooperatives based on socialist concepts to foster cooperativism. Concern over the efficiency and productivity of different productive chains induces cooperatives to continuously reassess their goals and methods to maximize its indicators. In the context of the study of organizational management, it is necessary to approach and evaluate factors that influence cooperative survival. The economic sector that includes recycling cooperatives in turn becomes the target of negative analyses concerning the organization of work, health, safety, and ergonomics with low indicators of efficiency and productivity. This study addresses the application of ergonomics in different contexts to a solid waste recycling and commercialization association located in the central region of Brazil. Its findings suggest that several aspects of the cooperative could be improved, requiring worker participation in this change process to improve postures, methods, and work dynamics.