Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Waste collection plays a vital role in the waste management process
since it rids the environment of some health hazards. Waste collection however, has been
known to expose waste collectors to some health-related problems, especially when they
do not use the personal protective equipment that helps to prevent them from being
exposed to these health risks.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess safety practices and perceived health
implications among different groups of waste collectors in the Adentan Municipality of
Accra.
METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study with a mixed method approach. The
quantitative component involved the administration of structured questionnaires to the
waste collectors whiles the qualitative component involved in-depth interviews with
purposively selected persons involved in the waste collection process and its management
in the Adentan Municipality. A total of 90 participants took part in the quantitative
component of the study whiles 12 participants were involved in the qualitative component.
RESULTS: Results show that helmets were the least used safety equipment, with only
68% of the waste collectors reporting helmet use. On the other hand, the most used safety
equipment were hand gloves which 92% of participants reported using. Other safety
effects participants reported using includes face masks (79%), goggles (70%), boots (78%)
and safety clothing (83%). Most participants (82%) perceived respiratory diseases as one
of the occupational health hazards associated with waste collection, followed by physical
and musculoskeletal injuries or pains each scoring about 69%. However, only 54%
perceived that they were prone to falls in line of their work.
Conclusion: Waste collectors in the Adentan Municipality in Accra are aware of the
occupational health hazards associated with waste collection in the city of Accra.