A preliminary assessment of physical work exposures among electronic waste workers at Agbogbloshie, Accra Ghana
Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics
Abstract
Occupational exposure associated with unstructured, informal e-waste recycling has received very limited
attention. This study aimed to quantify the occupational physical exposures among informal e-waste workers at
the largest e-waste site in Africa.
A cross-sectional field survey of 163 male e-waste workers was conducted using a self-report occupational
physical activity questionnaire, along with direct work observations, and pedometer estimates of walking activity
for a subset of workers (n = 42).
Results indicated significant differences in self-reported 7-day work exposures among the three main e-waste
job categories, namely, collectors (n = 70), dismantlers (n = 73) and burners (n = 20). Prolonged walking, sitting
and standing on five or more days in the workweek was frequently reported by collectors (87%), dismantlers
(82%) and burners (60%), respectively. Nearly 90% of collectors and burners and 60% of dismantlers reported
lifting and carrying on five or more days in the workweek.
The exposure combinations identified suggest a risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Findings call
attention to the need for research examining potential associations between physical exposures and MSDs
affecting e-waste workers in Agbogbloshie. The high exposure variability both between and within workers has
implications for future exposure assessments conducted in unregulated, informal work settings.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
E-waste, Informal recycling, e-waste collection, Physical activity exposure, OPAQ, Agbogbloshie