Factors contributing to occupational injuries among solid waste collectors: across sectional study in a municipal in Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Solid waste collector plays an important role in maintaining the health and hygiene in the city. In Tanzania solid waste collectors are at high risk of occupational injuries since contaminated solid waste are collected manually often by hand with little or no protection from injuries which might contribute to increases the prevalence of occupational injuries. Objective: The study aimed to assess occupational injuries and associated factors among solid waste collectors in Ilala Manicipality Tanzania. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study design was carried out betwen February to July 2017 involved three hundred and fifty four (354) solid waste collectors selected randomly. Closed and open ended questionnaires used to guide interviews. Categorical data was analysed to proportions and frequences and measure of association between dependent and covariet by Chi square test and logistic regression. Results: The overall annual prevalence rate of occupational injury was 40.9%. Most respondents (90.1%) used personal protective equipment during waste collection though not adequatelly and approprietly.The most common used PPE were reported to be footware (93.14%), followed by hand gloves (76.57%). More men sustained injuries as compared to the female waste collectors and the difference is statistically significant (OR=2.22, 95% C.I=1.39–3.56 ). Working experience, alcohol consumption and cigarrete smoking noted to be sigificant factors associated with the sustainaed injuries. Conclusion: Solid waste collectors are highly affected by occupational injuries. The utilization of PPE are low and inappropriate among the workers. Working experience, Sex, and risky personal habits like cigarette smoking and consumption of alcohol were factors associated with occupational injuries among solid waste collectors. There is a need to enforce safety working procedure and use of appropriate PPE for the waste handlers in all Minicipals.