Occupational Health Hazards and Risk among Tricycle Waste Collectors in the Greater Kumasi of the Ashanti Region Ghana.

Abstract

Global solid waste generation rates are rising due to rapid population growth and urbanization in 2016, 2.01 billion tonnes of solid waste were generated with a projected annual increase rate of 70% which would lead to 3.40 billion tonnes by 2050. This study aimed to assess the occupational health hazards and risks faced by tricycle waste collectors in the Greater Kumasi area of the Ashanti Region, Ghana. The specific objectives were to determine the current practices of waste collectors on waste management and economic gains, assess the hazards and risks associated with waste collection, and evaluate the health status and diseases suffered by waste collectors. A cross-sectional research design was employed, and semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 315 participants involved in waste collection and management processes. Additionally, 100 participants underwent hepatitis B screening. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and frequency distributions. Results of the study showed that, majority of waste collectors were male (97.46%), aged between 20-29 years (58.41%), The mean age of the participants was 25.4 (±5.87) years with a modal age group of 20–29 and had primary education (33.65%). 60% of the participants were single with majority of waste collectors identified as Muslims (71.11%), while 27.62% were Christians. More than two-thirds of the respondents had worked for five years (71.11%). Safety boots were the most commonly used personal protective equipment (PPE), with (78%). The study revealed various occupational health hazards, with back pain being the most commonly reported (34%). Additionally, 12% of participants tested positive for hepatitis B. The findings indicate a lack of awareness among waste collectors regarding the occupational health hazards associated with waste collection. This study underscores the need for improved occupational health and safety practices among tricycle waste collectors in Greater Kumasi.