Evaluación del riesgo biológico en los recolectores de residuos sólidos del municipio de Paratebueno 2025-1
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Date
2025-05-27
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Publisher
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios - UNIMINUTO
Type
Trabajo de Investigación e Innovación
Rights
Acceso Abierto - http://purl.org/coar/access_right/c_abf2
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
Abstract
La recolección y manipulación de residuos sólidos urbanos representa una actividad con alta exposición a agentes biológicos, lo cual implica un riesgo significativo para la salud de los colaboradores que realizan la recolección. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar el nivel de riesgo biológico en los recolectores de residuos sólidos del municipio de Paratebueno (Cundinamarca), durante el primer semestre del año 2025. Se aplicó una metodología mixta, que incluyó trabajo de campo, revisión bibliográfica y uso de instrumentos como encuestas semiestructuradas, observación directa y la aplicación de la metodología BIOGAVAL NEO, orientada a identificar, evaluar y controlar riesgos biológicos en entornos laborales.
Se identificaron siete agentes patógenos relevantes: Clostridium tetani, virus de hepatitis A, B y C, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp. y Entamoeba histolytica. Los niveles de riesgo encontrados oscilaron entre medio (R=3–4) y alto (R=6), siendo los agentes entéricos los de mayor impacto. Este nivel de riesgo está relacionado con factores como la viabilidad ambiental de los agentes, la forma de transmisión y las prácticas higiénicas limitadas, evidenciadas en un 51% de cumplimiento de medidas adoptadas. Aunque el 100% del personal cuenta con esquemas de vacunación completos frente a algunos agentes, no existen vacunas disponibles para otros, lo que incrementa la necesidad de medidas preventivas complementarias.
Entre las recomendaciones se plantea mejorar la infraestructura de higiene personal, establecer zonas de limpieza exclusivas para la ropa de trabajo, fortalecer protocolos de desinfección y control de vectores, implementar capacitaciones prácticas y fomentar campañas comunitarias de separación adecuada de residuos. Finalmente, se sugiere avanzar en investigaciones con recolección de datos primarios que permitan caracterizar con mayor precisión los agentes presentes y su impacto en la salud ocupacional.
The collection and handling of urban solid waste involves significant exposure to biological agents, posing considerable health risks to waste collection workers. This study aimed to evaluate the level of biological risk among solid waste collectors in the municipality of Paratebueno (Cundinamarca) during the first semester of 2025. A mixed-method approach was used, which included fieldwork, literature review, and data collection through semi-structured surveys, direct observation, and the application of the BIOGAVAL NEO methodology, designed to identify, assess, and control biological risks in occupational settings. Seven relevant pathogenic agents were identified: Clostridium tetani, hepatitis A, B, and C viruses, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Entamoeba histolytica. Risk levels ranged from medium (R = 3–4) to high (R = 6), with enteric agents presenting the greatest risk. This elevated level of risk is mainly associated with environmental persistence of the pathogens, direct-contact transmission routes, and limited hygienic practices, as evidenced by a 51% compliance rate with hygiene measures. Although 100% of the personnel have complete vaccination schemes against some agents, such as Clostridium tetani and hepatitis B, no vaccines exist for others, highlighting the need for additional preventive actions. Recommendations include improving personal hygiene infrastructure, creating exclusive areas for cleaning work clothes, strengthening equipment disinfection protocols and vector control procedures, conducting frequent and participatory training, and launching community awareness campaigns for proper household waste segregation. Additionally, further research using primary data collection (such as environmental and biological samples) is recommended to more accurately identify and characterize exposure levels, supporting better biological risk management and protecting worker health.
The collection and handling of urban solid waste involves significant exposure to biological agents, posing considerable health risks to waste collection workers. This study aimed to evaluate the level of biological risk among solid waste collectors in the municipality of Paratebueno (Cundinamarca) during the first semester of 2025. A mixed-method approach was used, which included fieldwork, literature review, and data collection through semi-structured surveys, direct observation, and the application of the BIOGAVAL NEO methodology, designed to identify, assess, and control biological risks in occupational settings. Seven relevant pathogenic agents were identified: Clostridium tetani, hepatitis A, B, and C viruses, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Entamoeba histolytica. Risk levels ranged from medium (R = 3–4) to high (R = 6), with enteric agents presenting the greatest risk. This elevated level of risk is mainly associated with environmental persistence of the pathogens, direct-contact transmission routes, and limited hygienic practices, as evidenced by a 51% compliance rate with hygiene measures. Although 100% of the personnel have complete vaccination schemes against some agents, such as Clostridium tetani and hepatitis B, no vaccines exist for others, highlighting the need for additional preventive actions. Recommendations include improving personal hygiene infrastructure, creating exclusive areas for cleaning work clothes, strengthening equipment disinfection protocols and vector control procedures, conducting frequent and participatory training, and launching community awareness campaigns for proper household waste segregation. Additionally, further research using primary data collection (such as environmental and biological samples) is recommended to more accurately identify and characterize exposure levels, supporting better biological risk management and protecting worker health.
Description
Evaluar el nivel de riesgo biológico en los recolectores de residuos sólidos en el Municipio de Paratebueno en el periodo 2025-1.
Keywords
Riesgo biológico, residuos sólidos, BIOGAVAL NEO, salud ocupacional, agentes entéricos, recolección de basura