Municipal Solid Waste Collectors Research Articles

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Work-Related Injury Among Municipal Solid Waste Collectors in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Municipal solid waste collectors are at risk of experiencing work-related health problems due to the waste they handle and the physical effort they put in. Work-related injuries among domestic waste collectors have been the subject of scant research in developing nations. Therefore, it is necessary to describe work-related injuries in these subpopulation groups. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of work-related injury among municipal solid waste collectors in Hawassa city, Southern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 11 to 30, 2022, with all the registered municipal solid waste collectors (411). Three diploma environmental health professionals assisted in collecting data using a pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire; 1 Bachelor of Science environmental health professional served as a supervisor. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used to enter, clean, code, and analyze the data. Associations between independent and dependent variables were assessed, and the strength of the associations was presented by using Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). According to the bivariable analysis, all independent variables associated with a P-value <.25 were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Variables in the multivariable regression analysis were considered significant if their P-value was less than 0.05. In this study, the prevalence of work-related injuries within the last 30 days was 12.9% (95% CI: 9.5, 16.3), while the prevalence over the last 12 months was 59.4% (95% CI: 54.7, 64.0). After adjusting for possible confounding factors, age 18 to 24 years [AOR = 1.72;95% CI: (1.07, 2.76)], lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) utilization [AOR = 2.30; 95% CI: (1.44, 3.68)], chewing khat (yes) [AOR = 2.32;95% CI: (1.32, 4.08)], drinking alcohol (yes) [AOR = 1.80; 95% CI: (1.003, 3.24)] and job dissatisfaction [AOR = 2.26, 95% CI: (1.44, 3.54)] were shown to be significantly associated with work-related injury. The prevalence of work-related injuries was high. Age 18 to 24 years, chewing khat, drinking alcohol, lack of PPE utilization, and job dissatisfaction were significantly associated with work-related injury. Based on the findings of this study, we suggest that addressing these risk factors could help to reduce work-related injuries.

Waste as Resource for Pakistan: An Innovative Business Model of Regenerative Circular Economy to Integrate Municipal Solid Waste Management Sector

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management is a global concern, especially in low–middle-income countries such as Pakistan, which require the redressal of MSW treatment issues to attain sustainability in the waste sector. The prosperity of municipal solid waste (MSW) collectors, i.e., the sanitary workers, is critical in the waste management hierarchy. Hence, the health, safety, social welfare, economic conditions and overall wellbeing of this tier need to be focused on more. Safeguarding the interests of the sanitary workers will support the MSW management sector in sustainability, which will help to generate revenue and minimize climatic impacts. An innovative MSW business model with waste ownership and technological intervention has excellent potential to support the sector towards a circular economy in Pakistan, the fifth most populous country in the world, generating about 100,000 metric tons of MSW per day. The proposed recycling business model will ensure a daily material recovery of 26,070 tons with 4721 tons of compost manufacturing in the country, which ultimately helps towards achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and meeting the targets of nationally determined contributors (NDCs) by 2030. In addition, the sector’s economic potential can contribute 5.5% to the total annual budget and possibly pay 1.4% of the gross domestic product (GDP) per annum to service national foreign debt, thus helping maintain the debt threshold value with an opportunity to accelerate the economic growth of Pakistan.

MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER AMONG MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTORS: A CASE STUDY OF SUNG NOEN DISTRICT, NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of the musculoskeletal disorder among municipal solid waste collectors and factors affecting organ injuries. Data collection used a cross-sectional survey study. The population in the study consisted of 42 municipal solid waste collectors from Sung Noen district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. The research instruments were the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), a questionnaire on injury severity, and an ergonomic assessment checklist using the rapid entire body assessment (REBA) method. The study results found that in the past year, in 88.10% of the municipal solid waste collector, the lower back was the most prominent musculoskeletal injury, followed by the shoulders. Recently, the severity of injuries was considered mild (minor) and moderate (36.11%). The REBA revealed a modest risk. Immediate improvement needs additional analysis. The factors affecting organ injuries were types of garbage truck distance of waste collection, lifting a waste bin away from the body, lifting a waste bin above the shoulders for a long time, work-related muscle spasms, throwing the body weight on one side of the body, and hanging and swinging the body while working. The study results indicated that waste collectors must work involving repeated postures and lifting heavy objects, resulting in health problems related to chronic injury of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a cause analysis to find recommendations for prevention and appropriate solutions to the problem. The novelty of the results was the types of garbage trucks causing injuries to different parts of the body. Garbage trucks included three types: small-size modified trucks, old trucks, and new trucks. Solid waste collectors using old and new trucks had more pain in their arms and legs than solid waste collectors using small-size modified trucks.

Moderating and Mediating Effects of Over-Commitment on the Association Between Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) with Upper Back and Hand/Wrist Disorders in Municipal Solid Waste Collectors.

PurposeDespite repetitive activities and the frequency of high workload for municipal solid waste (MSW) collectors, the risks of work-related stress on upper extremity pain are inconclusive. The objective of this study is to assess the moderation and mediation effect of effort–reward imbalance (ERI) and over-commitment (OC) on upper back and hand/wrist disorders in MSW collectors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with MSW collectors from two cities in Taiwan. Each participant was asked to anonymously fill out a structured questionnaire. Work-related stress, including ERI and OC, was assessed by a Chinese version of the Job Content Questionnaire (C-JCL). Upper back and hand/wrist disorders were assessed using the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. Multivariate analysis was used to assess moderation and mediation effect of OC and ERI on upper extremity pain.ResultsThe moderation effect of ERI and OC on upper back and hand/wrist disorders in MSW collectors was found. Disorders were higher in the group with both ERI ≥1 and high OC (OR (odds ratio) = 3.25 and OR = 3.00) than in the group with ERI ≥1 and low OC (OR = 2.66 and OR = 1.87) and in the ERI <1 and high OC group (OR = 2.27 and OR = 1.26). Synergy indexes were 0.77 and 1.77, respectively. Using multivariate analysis after adjusting for covariates, the mediation effect of OC was significant for the association between ERI and upper back and hand/wrist pains. The indirect effects of OC for upper back and hand/wrist pains accounted for 35% and 42%, respectively, and OC appears to mediate the relationship between ERI and upper back and hand/wrist disorders in MSW collectors.ConclusionWork-related stress measured ERI and OC may play a role in moderating and mediating effects on upper extremity pain. Encouraging provisions of work modification and stress management is needed to mitigate the occurrence of upper extremities pain in MSW collectors.

Occupational Injuries and Associated Factors Among Municipal Solid Waste Collectors in Harar Town, Eastern Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study.

Background:Municipal solid waste collection is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world since it exposes the workers involved to occupational hazards and predisposes them to certain occupation-related morbidities. Occupational injuries among municipal solid waste collectors have not been adequately addressed or reported in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among municipal solid waste collectors in Harar Town, Ethiopia.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia from May 25, 2021 to June 25, 2021. Three hundred eighty-nine (389) municipal solid waste collectors were selected using a simple random sampling method. A self-administered structured questionnaire and an observational checklist were used to collect the data. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine the association between independent variables and the outcome variable. A P-value of <.05 was considered as a cut-off point for statistical significance.Results:The current study found that about 60.4% of municipal solid waste collectors were exposed to occupational injuries. Furthermore, the study found a statistically significant association between the prevalence of occupational injuries and having a primary education [AOR = 0.10, 95% CI (0.03-0.38)], a secondary education [AOR = 0.04, 95% CI (0.03-0.45)], work experience [AOR = 5.975, (95% CI (2.01-17.75)], the use of personal protective equipment [AOR = 0.09, (95% CI: 0.02-0.46)], and training [AOR = 0.10, 95% CI (0.03-0.30)].Conclusions:The current study found that more than three-fifth of municipal solid waste collectors were exposed to occupational injury. Furthermore, the current study found that there was an statistical relationship between the prevalence of occupational injuries and having a primary education, a secondary education, work experience, the use of personal protective equipment, and training. Before and after hiring solid waste collectors, employers should provide personal protective equipment and tailored training on safety measures.

Occupational health and safety outcomes among municipal solid waste collectors in Grenada

Occupational health and safety outcomes among municipal solid waste collectors in Grenada

Prevalence and Determinants of Occupational Injuries among Solid Waste Collectors of Zoomlion Ghana Limited.

Background Globally, occupational injuries account for 15% of the mortalities associated with occupational accidents. The work of the solid waste collectors exposes them to numerous occupational hazards, which results in injuries. Increasing rates of occupational injuries from 43.7% to 63.9% among solid waste collectors in sub-Saharan Africa opens room for more research to be done. The study assessed the magnitude of occupational injuries and associated factors among solid waste collectors of Zoomlion Ghana Limited in the Accra Metropolis. Methods A cross-sectional quantitative study was carried out among the solid waste collectors. The occupational injuries and their associated factors among the solid waste collectors were assessed using questionnaires. Multistage sampling approach was used to select study respondents. Data were collected through the administration of questionnaires. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between the dependent and independent variables. Results In this study, 21.79% (78/358) with 95% CI (0.1749, 0.2608) among the solid waste collectors reported having at least one work-related injury in the last 6 months. The factors that were significantly associated with at least one occupational injury among the solid waste collectors in the Accra Metropolis were work duty (collection and transportation), the zone of assignment for respondents, and lack of personal protective equipment (PPE). Conclusion This study showed that the prevalence of occupational injuries among municipal solid waste collectors in the Accra Metropolis was lower as compared to similar research conducted in Ethiopia, Egypt, and India. Working in the collection and transportation category and lack of PPE for use at work were significantly and positively associated with occupational injury among the solid waste collectors. Again, working in the La Dade Kotopon zone had reduced odds of sustaining injuries as compared to those in the Ablekuma South zone. The result of the study demonstrated that cuts/puncture was the injury that was mostly sustained by the municipal solid waste workers, while the leg was the body part that was mostly injured followed by the hands. Public health education in the municipality should target solid waste collectors with the aim of improving their health-seeking behaviour.

Psychological stress and associated factors among municipal solid waste collectors in Hanoi, Vietnam: A cross-sectional study.

In low and middle-income countries, the manually operated municipal waste collection system prominently depended on the performance of waste collectors (WC). Most of the literature has focused on the impact of waste collection tasks on WCs' physical health, while little was known about the psychological effects of work-related stress. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of psychological stress and related factors among waste collectors in Hanoi, Vietnam. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 802 WCs in 2017. The questionnaire included the 7-item Stress component of the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, and questions on demographics and work conditions. Descriptive and multivariate logistics regression analyses were conducted to examine the factors related to psychological stress among WCs. Results showed that 13.4% of WCs reported stress symptoms; among them, 3.3% of WCs experienced severe stress. Factors related to lower odds of self-reported psychological stress included self-perceived frequent exposure to high and low temperatures in the working environment (OR = 0.51 and 0.52, respectively). Factors associated with the increased likelihood of symptoms included frequent exposure to hot/flammable objects (OR = 2.41), working a night shift in the last three months (OR = 1.82), education lever lower than high school (OR = 1.82), and having an insufficient monthly income (OR = 1.99). The high percentage of workers with severe stress implies the need for mental health prevention and treatment for WCs who participated in this study.

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

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.

Occupational Health Conditions and Associated Factors Among Municipal Solid Waste Collectors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BackgroundMunicipal solid waste collection is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. It exposes the workers to physical, biological, and chemical hazards, and occupation-related morbidities. In developing countries, municipal solid waste management-related occupational morbidities are not properly addressed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate occupational health conditions and associated factors among municipal solid waste collectors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Materials and MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 576 municipal solid waste collectors in Addis Ababa from August 2019 to September 2019. To select the study participants, a multistage sampling technique was used. The data were collected by using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. The association between the dependent and independent variables was analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis at 95% confidence interval and variables with P-value<0.05 were considered as statistically significant to the dependent variable.ResultsA total of 576 municipal solid waste collectors participated in the study, which makes the response rate 96.9%. Among the total municipal solid waste collectors, 295 (51.2%) of them had occupational health symptoms. Work experience (AOR=1.86, 95% CI=1.01–2.18), family size (AOR=1.76, 95% CI=1.15–2.71), personal protective equipment (AOR=2.31, 95% CI=1.32–4.04), and working hours per day (AOR=1.76, 95% CI=1.22–2.68) were significantly associated with occupational health conditions.ConclusionThe magnitude of occupational health symptoms among municipal solid waste collectors in Addis Ababa was high. Work experience, working hours per day, type of PPE, and family size were significantly associated with occupational health conditions. Therefore, providing appropriate and full body cover personal protective equipment, giving training, monitoring working hours, and conducting studies including medical evaluation is crucial.

Investigation of the Pulmonary Function Level in Municipal Solid Waste Collectors: A Case of Bandar Abbas City During 2015 - 2017

Background: In Iran, most of the cleaning processes are performed manually in urban areas. Sweepers are exposed to respiratory pollutants, infectious substances, and other hazardous substances such as chemicals, animal feces, and sharp objects during improper disposal of waste. Respiratory pollutants in these occupations can cause inflammation and damage to the respiratory system. Moreover, prolonged exposure to respiratory pollutants in the workplace can reduce lung function and cause numerous health problems. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effect of workplace exposures of municipal solid waste collectors on the reduction of the pulmonary function level. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed on 198 municipal solid waste collectors aged 18 to 55 years who were employed in this profession for at least two years. The sampling method was census, and demographic data were extracted from occupational examination records. Results: Examining the relationship between pulmonary function decline and the studied variables showed a significant relationship between smoking and reduction of FVC, FEV1, and FEF25 -75. However, no significant relationship was observed between dust exposure and pulmonary function decline. Conclusions: No significant relationship was observed between pulmonary function loss and occupational dust exposure in municipal solid waste collectors. This means that the occupational exposure of these individuals was not severe enough to cause pulmonary function loss.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Among Municipal Waste Collectors in Penang Island, Malaysia and Their Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards the Prevention of Hepatitis B

While there are many risks that increase an individuals&amp;rsquo; exposure to infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B, occupational exposure increases one&amp;rsquo;s risk to acquire such infections.&amp;nbsp; The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B among municipal solid waste collectors and their knowledge, attitude and practice towards the prevention of Hepatitis B. An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among solid waste collectors in Penang Island from November 2017 to Mei 2018.&amp;nbsp; The inclusion criteria of this study were solid waste collectors who have been working for at least 6 months and able to understand either Malay or English language. Those who did not turn up during the data collection period and who were unable to give their blood sample were excluded from the study. Participants&amp;rsquo; blood were tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) using Elisa. The waste collectors were then interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Research Ethics Committee, PMC RC-14. A total of 184 out of 221 eligible waste handlers participated in the study, giving a response rate of 83.3%. The prevalence of Hepatitis B in this study was 1.6%.&amp;nbsp; Significant correlation was observed between attitude and practice scores (r=0.203, p=0.006). The prevalence of Hepatitis B among municipal waste collectors was low in this study. Most had poor knowledge in regards to Hepatitis B. Empowering workers by providing them adequate information is essential to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

Psychosocial Risk, Work-Related Stress, and Job Satisfaction among Domestic Waste Collectors in the Ho Municipality of Ghana: A Phenomenological Study.

Domestic waste collectors play key roles in the collection and disposal of solid waste in Ghana. The work environment and conditions under which domestic waste collectors operate influence their job satisfaction ratings and health outcomes. This study investigated psychosocial risk factors, work-related stress and job satisfaction needs among municipal solid waste collectors in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. A phenomenological design was applied to collect data among 64 domestic waste collectors, 12 managers, and 23 supervisors of two waste companies in Ho Municipality, Ghana. Data were collected from June–August 2018 using in-depth interview and focus group discussion guides. Interviews were supplemented by field observations. Data were analyzed using inductive and deductive content procedures to form themes based on the study aim. Four themes emerged from the study. The study results revealed that domestic waste collector’s poor attitudes and safety behaviors such as not wearing personal protective equipment, poor enforcement of safety standards by supervisors and managers, and work-related stress caused by poor working environments impact negatively on domestic waste collector’s health and safety. Other factors such as poor enforcement of standard company regulations, poor work relations, non-clear work roles, lack of social protection to meet medical needs, poor remuneration, negative community perceptions of domestic waste collectors job, work environments, and workloads of domestic waste collectors were reported to negatively impact on work stress and job satisfaction needs. In conclusion, the findings are important in informing the necessary waste management policies aimed at improving decent work environments, as well as improving the health and well-being of domestic waste collectors in both the formal and informal sectors in Ghana.

Work-related stress levels and musculoskeletal disorders among municipal solid waste collectors in Ankara.

Industrialization and rising standards of living have contributed to a growing amount of solid waste and consequent disposal problems. Solid waste collection is among the occupations with the highest risk for musculoskeletal disorders. We have conducted this study to assess musculoskeletal complaints and work-related stress levels among municipal solid waste (MSW) collectors. The subjects were all currently employed at the MSW Department of the City of Ankara, Turkey. Validated questionnaires were completed by 267 MSW collectors. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (22.0 version). Upper back pain rate was 89.1% among the collectors. 47.9% of collectors reported having had upper back pain during the last 12 months and 38.7% had experienced it during the last month. 80.9% of the sample complained of shoulder pain. Wrists/hands and neck pain rates were found at rates of 78.7% and 67.8% respectively. Psychological demands, were significantly higher among MSW collectors living with moderate-severe pain. Ergonomics education, healthy work habits, occupational safety training and improvements in the psychosocial work environment should be considered.

Screening of Cases of Chronic hepatitis C viral infection among municipal solid waste collectors in Minia city, Egypt

Screening of Cases of Chronic hepatitis C viral infection among municipal solid waste collectors in Minia city, Egypt

Determination of Haematocrit, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and Methaemoglobin Levels in Municipal Solid Waste Collectors (Sanitation Workers) in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria

Determination of Haematocrit, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and Methaemoglobin Levels in Municipal Solid Waste Collectors (Sanitation Workers) in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria

Simulation of municipal solid waste route optimization by Dijkstra’s algorithm

This study simulated the routes of a municipal solid waste collection by a mathematical model of Dijkstra’s Algorithm. Its aim was to achieve route optimization by shortening the distance travelled by the municipal solid waste collectors. The waste collectors usually face difficulties in selecting the most cost-efficient routes to collect wastes due to the presence of multiple collection points. It is observed that unsystematic collection route planner travelled by the waste collectors increases the time and cost of waste management. Thus, to reduce the time and cost of collection, it was hypothesized that the routes taken by the waste collectors be shortened to optimize the cost-effectiveness. This study again hypothesized that employing a mathematical model of Dijkstra’s Algorithm would be able to demonstrate the route optimization. Keywords: collection routes; Dijkstra’s Algorithm; municipal solid waste; route optimization; urban area

Micronuclei and other nuclear anomalies in exfoliated buccal cells of urban solid waste collectors and recyclers in southern Brazil

Workers involved in urban solid waste collection may be exposed to various environmental contaminants, including chemical pollutants, which might be mutagenic and increase the risk of diseases such as cancer. Evaluation of DNA damage in workers in this field are still scarce. This study aims to evaluate mutagenic and cytotoxic effects in workers involved in the collection and segregation of urban solid waste generated in southern Brazil. Municipal solid waste collectors were recruited in two municipalities of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The control group was composed of workers of the education and commerce areas, with no exposure to known genotoxic agents. Slides of exfoliated buccal cells were analyzed to estimate the frequency of micronuclei (MN) as well as other nuclear abnormalities, such as broken-egg/bud, binucleation and karyorrhexis. The analyses of 44 workers and 45 control subjects have shown that the frequencies of MN, binucleated cells and karyorrhexis in the exposed workers were significantly higher than in the control group. In the exposed group, frequencies of MN and binucleated cells showed a significant positive correlation. The other cytogenetic parameters were not correlated among each other or with age and exposure time. These results indicate that the workers involved in urban solid waste collection are exposed to mutagenic and cytotoxic agents.

Cytogenetic Biomonitoring in Buccal Mucosal Cells from Municipal Solid Waste Collectors

Waste collectors collect, transport, and process the garbage produced by people living in the city. Nowadays, this activity requires special attention due to the environmental impact of garbage and its potential consequences on human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of garbage collection on waste collectors. For this purpose, a total of 47 male waste collectors aged from 24 to 53 years were included in the experimental group. A total of 30 men matched by age were used as the control group. Cytotoxicity and mutagenicity were analyzed by micronucleus test in buccal mucosaI cells. No statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in the frequency of micronuclei was detected in the waste collectors when compared to controls. Nevertheless, higher frequencies of karyolysis and pyknosis (p<0.05) were detected in buccal mucosaI cells from waste collectors when compared to matched controls. Taken together, our results indicate that waste collectors comprise an at-risk group as a result of increased cytotoxicity apparent from buccal mucosa cells.

Prevalence and associated factors of occupational injuries among municipal solid waste collectors in four zones of Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia.

BackgroundRefuse collectors are at a high risk for fatal and non-fatal occupational accidents. This is more intensified in developing countries, like Ethiopia, due to physically demanding nature of the job. However, information on occupational injuries and related factors are almost non-existent in Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of occupational injuries and its associated factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among municipal solid waste collectors in four zones of Amhara region from February to May 2015. Computer generated simple random sampling technique was used to select the samples. Interviewer administrated questionnaires were used for the data collection process. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between outcome variables and explanatory variables.ResultsIn this study, the annual prevalence of at least one occupational injury among solid waste workers was 34.3 % (95 % CI: 29.52, 39.10). Of these, 50.7 % of them were visited health facility to receive health care. The independent predictors of at least one occupational injury were shorter service years, low monthly salary, history of job related stress, and sleeping disturbance related to the job. Being illiterate, having lower monthly income, and those who reported sleeping disturbance were significantly and positively associated with severe occupational injuries of solid waste collectors.ConclusionThe magnitude of occupational injuries among municipal solid waste collectors is lower than other similar studies conducted in Ethiopia. Based on the finding of this and other studies, job rotation among work components, improvement of employees’ income, job specific guideline regarding maximum production limits, and replacement of bags and bins with wheeled containers are an interventions expected to cope with the problem. There is also a need of specific periodic health surveillance (PHS) for refuse collectors to detect early signs of work related complaints and to monitor work ability.