HEALTH AND SAFETY OF URBAN CLEANING WORKERS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW ON VULNERABILITIES AND PREVENTION PRACTICES

Abstract

The organization and structuring of urban cleaning services and solid waste management play a central role in promoting public health, environmental protection, and the reduction of occupational risks, especially for workers exposed to adverse working conditions. This study discusses, based on the Guidance Manual: Organization and Structuring of Urban Cleaning Services and Solid Waste Management (FUNASA, 2020), the relationships between work processes, environmental risks, and control measures applicable to street cleaners and other workers in the sector. Through an integrative literature review and critical analysis of technical documents, vulnerabilities associated with exposure to chemical, biological, physical, ergonomic, and psychosocial agents were identified, as well as gaps in the implementation of public policies and prevention programs. The results indicate that the lack of operational planning, insufficient personal and collective protective equipment, and the precariousness of working conditions increase the incidence of health problems. It was also observed that surveillance actions, continuous training, and the strengthening of integrated waste management promote safer environments and enhance workers’ social protection. It is concluded that the adoption of intersectoral strategies, aligned with FUNASA guidelines and regulatory standards, represents an essential pathway to improving working conditions and ensuring the effectiveness of urban cleaning services in the country.