Prevention of Occupational Hazards Among Sanitary Workers: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Survey in Bulehora, West Guji Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction The production of waste is due to the result of commercial activities, consumption, and utilization of products or materials. It is further believed that mainly solid waste includes non-harmful waste which may be from households, mainly kitchens, and even from organizations and institutions, shops and various types of markets, and manufacturing industries. Solid waste handling, management, and accurate and appropriate disposal is a hot topic relating to public and environmental health concerns. Methods A cross-sectional quantitative study design was incorporated to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice and associated factors regarding prevention of occupational risks and health hazards among sanitary workers in Bulehora University, a government organization in West Guji Zone, Ethiopia. One hundred and ninety-one solid waste handlers found to be working in this institution were included in the study. Results The response rate of samples in the present study was found to be 94.4%, of which the majority were females, which accounted for 79.7%. The median age of the study samples was 29 years. It was found that 64% of study samples stated good knowledge of the prevention of occupational health risks. About 76.4% of solid waste collectors had a good attitude and only 8.9% showed good practice regarding prevention of occupational health hazards. Job dissatisfaction was found to be a statistically significant factor along with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in implementing good practice work patterns among sanitation workers, even though they had been provided with basic personal protective equipment. Conclusion The study concluded that there is a need for development of plans on implementation of basic occupational health services while enforcing the provision of personal protective equipment and supervising solid waste collectors.

Using the sanitation safety planning tool to improve the occupational health and safety of de-sludging operators in Uganda: a protocol for a controlled before and after study

“…Although self-reports can be characterised by biases, these have been used to get insights into exposure to occupational hazards and uptake of prevention measures among individuals involved in the delivery of sanitation services [49]. Uptake of occupational health and safety measures, such as PPE along the sanitation chain, has been reported to mitigate occupational health risks among sanitation workers, including those engaged in desludging [5, 49]. The common PPE used among sanitation workers include gloves, respiratory masks, gas monitors and gumboots, goggles, helmets, jackets, and safety cones [5].…”

“…A review of literature reveals that barriers and facilitators to OHS occur across all levels (extra organizational, organizational, worker, and program levels) due to limited resource availability [50]. Factors such as training de-sludging operators on OHS, supervision, policy and regulations, and enforcement, influence uptake and promotion of OHS measures [49].…”

“…Self-reports will be used to establish the prevalence of exposure to physical, chemical, and biological hazards, and uptake of occupational health and safety measures. Although self-reports can be characterised by biases, these have been used to get insights into exposure to occupational hazards and uptake of prevention measures among individuals involved in the delivery of sanitation services [49]. Uptake of occupational health and safety measures, such as PPE along the sanitation chain, has been reported to mitigate occupational health risks among sanitation workers, including those engaged in desludging [5, 49].…”

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related contact dermatitis symptoms among healthcare cleaners during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northwest Ethiopia: a multicentre cross-sectional survey

“… 25 Moreover, because many cleaning services are run under informal conditions, employees in the sector are exempt from national labour and other regulations, making them more vulnerable to a variety of occupational and environmental hazards that can lead to serious injuries, illness and death. 29 Furthermore, healthcare cleaners are primarily advised to implement COVID-19 precautions measures such as frequent hand washing, which may adversely affect skin eruption. 2 However, there is insufficient data on the prevalence and risk factors for WRCD among workers in the cleaning industry globally.…”

“…As well, this group of workers has a low level of education regarding prevention and control methods for environmental and occupational determinants 25. Moreover, because many cleaning services are run under informal conditions, employees in the sector are exempt from national labour and other regulations, making them more vulnerable to a variety of occupational and environmental hazards that can lead to serious injuries, illness and death 29. Furthermore, healthcare cleaners are primarily advised to implement COVID-19 precautions measures such as frequent hand washing, which may adversely affect skin eruption 2.…”