MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AND OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES AMONG WASTE COLLECTORS

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Egypt

Abstract

Introduction: Waste collectors are exposed to many occupational health hazards as
occupational injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. Aim of Work: To study some
occupational injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and any accompanying symptoms
among waste collectors and to identify their risk factors. Materials and Methods: a
case-control nested in a cross-sectional study was carried out in Menoufia governorate
(Sheibin Elkom city) and two rural places (Elbatanoon and Shanwan) on 180 waste
collectors. All participants were subjected to a pre-designed questionnaire fulfilling
personal and occupational histories. Results: (96.7%) of the studied group were males,
their ages range from (24 to 61) years, of rural residence (81.1%), married (96.1%),
and non-smokers (51.1%). About (53.9%) of the workers can read and write, 48.3
% of the workers had musculoskeletal pain. Back pain was the most prevalent one
(37.9%). Motion or activity increases sensation of pain in (29.9 %) of the workers.
Pain is associated with tingling in (21.8 %) and decreased sensation in (13.8 %). The
percentage of musculoskeletal pain was significantly higher among workers with low
income, long working hours, and having additional work. The most frequent injuries
reported by the waste collectors were cut wounds and scratches (91.7% and 95%)
respectively. Conclusion and Recommendations: Musculoskeletal manifestations
and occupational injuries were prevalent among the studied workers. Provide waste
collectors with personal protective equipment, routine medical examination every
6 months should be done, and training programs to educate waste collectors about
hazards, injuries, and the way of their reduction and prevention.

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