Dataset Information

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

ABSTRACT:

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.

SUBMITTER: Ephraim P

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8741403 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundMunicipal 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsThe 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)].ConclusionsThe 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.