Prevalence of non-fatal injuries in informal waste recyclers in landfill sites in Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Waste recyclers, informal economy workers at landfill sites, separate, collect and sell recyclable solid waste. They do not receive health and safety training, personal protective equipment (PPE), health care support or social protection. There is limited information of the extent of adverse health outcomes experienced by waste recyclers in South Africa. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and possible risk factors for injuries experienced by waste recyclers. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among waste recyclers working in two landfill sites. Interviews were conducted with 361 conveniently sampled waste recyclers using a structured questionnaire with information on socio-demographic history, self-reported exposures and injuries experienced. Results: The average age was 33.7 years, range of 18-81 year. The majority were male (73 %). The top ten self-reported exposures included dust (97%), strong gas smells (95%), rodents (91%), dirty water (89%), lifting heavy objects (87%), dogs (79%), chemicals (66%), needles (48%), blood (39%) and falling waste (38%). Although 90% of participants stated they wore some kind of PPE, this was not always suitable for the work conducted. Thirty-three percent (33%) of participants were injured in the last 6 months. The commonest injuries were lacerations (82%), falls on site (38%), muscular pain (28%), violence from other waste pickers (21%) and needle stick injuries (20%). Female participants experienced a higher proportion of cuts, falls and needle stick injuries compared to males. However, males were more likely to be injured due to violent altercations with other waste recyclers (18% vs 3%) and musculoskeletal injuries (22.7% vs 6%). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of injuries experienced by waste recyclers at landfill sites. Occupational health and safety awareness and use of appropriate PPE should be provided to waste recyclers in order to prevent occupationally related injuries.