Work-Related Health Hazards Faced by Sanitation Workers in the Upper East Region, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Sanitation employees are exposed to hazards and safety risks due to their waste collection activities. As a result, poor or lack of health and/or safety practices at the work environment could lead to adverse health impact that includes preventable work-related ill-health. Objectives: This study assessed work-related health hazards faced by sanitation workers in the Upper East Region, Ghana. Study design and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 258 respondents selected using a weighting method from 720 sanitation workers (86 from government and 637 from Zoom-Lion Ghana) across the three Municipalities in the Upper East Region (Bolgatanga, Kassena Nankana and Bawku). Quantitative approaches were used to gather data using structured questionnaire and observation checklist. The data was analysed using mainly descriptive and inferential statistics such as linear regression with the aid of STATA version 15 software. Chi Square test was used to determine the significance of the factors used in the linear regression. The analysed data was reported using frequency tables Results: The results revealed that sanitation workers were exposed to physical hazards, biological and ergonomic hazards in their work environment. Regression analysis indicated that the major risk factors responsible for work-related injuries and other work-related ailments among sanitation workers were non-observance of safety procedures, years of work experience, and time spent at work each day, which were all significant (p<0.005). With regards to ergonomic problems, majority (93.70%) of the respondents had general body pains and backaches were also common (70.90%). It also shows that injuries were mainly cuts injury (76.20%) and puncture wound (68.60%). Most workers also suffered respiration disorders such as chest tightness and dry cough with a percent of cases of 71.20% and 57.60% respectively. The study equally revealed vomiting and diarrhoea with 64.40% and 52.10% respectively as percent of cases suffered by these workers. The study finally revealed that with the exception of punishment given out to sanitation workers for non-compliance of safety protocols (63% and 2% partially and fully implemented respectively), all other safety measures were not implemented. Conclusion: The study concludes that, sanitation workers suffered several work-related health hazards (physical, biological and ergonomic hazards) and these are as a result of poor safety work culture in the waste management organizations in the Region. Strict enforcement of health and safety protocols will give the needed protection for these waste handlers from suffering injuries or ailments from the work place.