Occupational Health Hazards and the Use of Safety Protective Measures among Municipal Solid Waste Collectors

Abstract

Background: Solid waste collection is a dangerous job that exposes the waste collectors to different occupational health hazards and certain occupation related morbidities. Aim: This study aimed to examine the relationship between exposure to occupational health hazards and the use of safety protective measures among municipal solid waste collectors. Methods: Correlational descriptive study design was used Sample: A convenient sample of 140 municipal solid waste collectors were included. Settings: The study was carried out at Local Council of 10 villages followed Birket Elsaba district, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Tool: An interviewing questionnaire was used which included five parts: (1) Demographic data. (2) Work related factors. (3) Current health problems. (4) Safety protective measures. (5) Knowledge of the municipal solid waste collectors about occupational health hazards in the work place. Results: The study reported that two thirds of the municipal solid waste collectors were exposed to physical hazards, 63.6% of them were exposed to psychological hazards. 55% were exposed to chemical hazards, 59.3% were exposed to ergonomic hazards while who were exposed to biological and accidental hazards were 60% and 59.3% respectively. Also, It reported that 42.9% of the sample used safety boots, 24.3% of them used gloves. Moreover, 7.1% of the sample used head covers and as same used special uniform. In addition, none of the them used goggles and mask while 18.6% of the them not used any personal protective equipment. Also, it reported that more than three quarters of the study sample washed their hands before eating while 7.1% of the sample change clothes before and after the shifts. So, the present study indicated that there were statistical significance difference between exposure of the study group to occupational health hazards as (physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychological and accidental) hazards and the use of safety protective measures. Conclusions: This study concluded that there were statistical significance difference between exposure of the study group to different occupational health hazards and the use of safety protective measures (p < 0.05). Recommendations: Periodic health education and awareness programs are needed to increase knowledge of municipal solid waste collectors on different occupational health hazards, ergonomic principles and importance of using safety protective measures in the work place.