Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms among Workers at an Informal Electronic-Waste Recycling Site in Agbogbloshie, Ghana.

Isabella A Quakyi,Sylvia A Takyi,Thomas G Robins,Augustine A Acquah,Duah Dwomoh,John Arko-Mensah,Afua Asabea Amoabeng Nti,Lawrencia Kwarteng,Julius N Fobil,Niladri Basu,Clive D’Souza,Bernard J Martin

doi:10.3390/ijerph18042055

Abstract

Informal recycling of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) has myriad environmental and occupational health consequences, though information about the chronic musculoskeletal health effects on workers is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and intensity of self-reported musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms among e-waste workers at Agbogbloshie in Ghana—the largest informal e-waste dumpsite in West Africa—relative to workers not engaged in e-waste recycling. A standardized musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire was administered to 176 e-waste workers (73 collectors, 82 dismantlers, and 21 burners) and 41 workers in a reference group. The number of body parts with musculoskeletal discomfort were 1.62 and 1.39 times higher for collectors and dismantlers than burners, respectively. A 1-week discomfort prevalence was highest for collectors (91.8%) followed by dismantlers (89%), burners (81%), and the reference group (70.7%). The discomfort prevalence for e-waste workers was highest in the lower back (65.9%), shoulders (37.5%), and knees (37.5%). Whole-body pain scores (mean ± SE) were higher for collectors (83.7 ± 10.6) than dismantlers (45.5 ± 7.6), burners (34.0 ± 9.1), and the reference group (26.4 ± 5.9). Differences in prevalence, location, and intensity of MSD symptoms by the e-waste job category suggest specific work-related morbidity. Symptom prevalence and intensity call attention to the high risk for MSDs and work disability among informal e-waste workers, particularly collectors and dismantlers.

Highlights

Our findings on discomfort prevalence, the number of body parts affected, and pain scores suggest that the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and work disability is higher for collectors and dismantlers than burners and the reference group
The musculoskeletal discomfort frequency (i.e., 1-week period prevalence) and intensity was higher among e-waste workers compared to the reference group
The high rates of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms identified in a relatively young worker population, alongside the poor work conditions and physical work demands suggest an elevated risk of WRMSDs and disability

Summary

Introduction

The fervent demand for new technology coupled with the fast obsolescence and short lifespan of modern-day consumer devices has created a global crisis in electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) recycling [1,2,3,4]. The term e-waste describes all types of discarded electrical and electronic equipment/appliances and its parts (e.g., televisions, laptops, refrigerators, automotive sub-assemblies). The global volume of e-waste in 2019 approximated 53.6 m metric tons and is projected to exceed 74 m tons by 2030, i.e., a growth.

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