Safety Practices and Perceived Health Implications on Waste Collectors in the Adentan Municipality of Accra

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.