Ergonomic Risk Assessment for Refuse Collectors at Chitungwiza Municipality in Zimbabwe
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1
National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
2
Chitungwiza municipality, Zimbabwe
Submission date: 2025-01-10
Acceptance date: 2025-01-27
Publication date: 2025-03-30
Trends in Ecological and Indoor Environmental Engineering, 2025;1(3):1-10
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Background:
Waste-related activities such as collecting and segregating mixed waste are associated with a number of health hazards. These hazards include microbiological exposure associated with the collection of putrefying material, chemicals from the waste itself and from its decomposition, as well as exhaust fumes from trucks, noise, extreme temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, and more. Occupational risks for waste collection workers include increased environmental and workload-related injuries (sprains and fractures associated with lifting, carrying, pushing/dragging heavy objects and awkward positions), what causes diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Objectives:
The main objective of current study was to assess the risk of activity among waste collectors at Chitungwiza Municipality (Zimbabwe), identify musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) using the REBA worksheet and examine the level of knowledge of safe work practices among employees.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was developed. The study was conducted from January to December 2022. The sample frame was all Refuse collectors in the Municipality which comprised 230 workers. For inclusion, participants were supposed to have worked for a period of one month or more in the Refuse Section, who were at work on the day of sampling. A sample of 57 respondents which approximates to 25% of the sample frame were randomly selected using convenience sampling. A self-administered questionnaire comprising both open- and close-ended questions was used to collect data. The REBA assessment tool was used as observational guide in rating different body parts to exertion of different forces and postures that lead to MSDs. Analysis of data was manipulated through Ms Excel 2010 version. Cleaned and pre-coded data from questionnaires was analysed through SPSS version 20.0. REBA assessment tool matrix was also used to score the level of MSD risk in respondents.
Results:
It was found that 45.6% of workers did not undergo a medical examination upon hiring and 80.7% of workers received a formal induction. The study shows that 35% of workers do not report incidents because they consider the injuries to be minor and, as a result, do not receive medical care. Careful handling of garbage bins and wearing protective clothing were recognized by 40.9% of workers as key safety practices. The most common ailments were lower back pain, hip pain, knee pain, and sometimes shoulder stiffness. It was found that 21 workers worked in medium-risk conditions and 36 workers in high-risk conditions, which is 36.8% and 63.2% of all respondents, respectively.
Conclusion:
Only 2/3 of the workers were trained in safe working practices, and most importantly, they were not trained in lifting techniques. About 1/3 of the workers were subject to frequent stress due to lack of payment of wages, a situation that is aggravated by the fact that workers are forced to continue other manual work after completing the main work. The employer has a duty to ensure the safety of its employees and stakeholders, failure to do so will lead to lawsuits from employees or safety officials, such as trade unions or labour unions. The organizational image is damaged, thereby negatively affecting the brand of the organization. Recruitment of experienced workers will be jeopardized, as these workers will view the organization as an unsafe place to work.
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