Impacts of the New NR 38 on Urban Waste Collection Companies in Brazil: Reflections on Occupational Health and Safety

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the steps taken by a waste collection company in Brazil to implement the requirements of the new regulatory standard NR 38, aiming to identify the main challenges faced and solutions applied. Theoretical Framework: Regulatory standard nº 38 defines solid waste as any material, substance, object or good discarded in solid or semi-solid states resulting from human activities in society. Brazil currently has approximately 351 thousand urban cleaning workers distributed in most of the established municipalities, producing around 77.1 million tons of waste, corresponding to more than 211 thousand tons of waste generated per day, approximately 380 kg/inhabitant/year. According to data from the labor inspection department of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, an average of 10 thousand work accidents occur annually, resulting in approximately 36 deaths per year. Method: The methodology adopted in this research was designed to understand the dynamics and work practices within an urban solid waste collection company that operates in a capital city located in northeastern Brazil. Focusing on household collectors, the approach used was predominantly descriptive and field-based and divided into three phases: unstructured interviews, documentary research, and visits to the work site. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that the most frequent accidents were: contact with sharp objects, being run over, falls, contact with biological risks, and musculoskeletal disorders. The main legal changes were: speed limits for collection vehicles in work areas, prohibition of transporting collectors on the platform, rear-view cameras, safety footwear with specific characteristics, transport of collectors, keeping an updated record of all the places where the activities are carried out, communication channels, and access to fresh drinking water. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of occupational accident prevention in urban solid waste collection services. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by identifying and recording challenges encountered and proposing solutions for implementing the new occupational safety recommendations contained in regulatory legislation no. 38. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by field investigations and documentary analysis in an urban waste collection company, allowing real findings of difficulties and solutions.