Publications

Solid waste workers are exposed to substantial levels of physical, chemical and biological toxins from the point waste is generated and collected to the point it is disposed. They are at risk of developing allergic diseases, respiratory infections, musculoskeletal disorders, gastrointestinal infections and injuries due to work-related accidents. The high exposure statistics highlight the nether prevention methods, under utilization of preventive measures such as using personal protective measures, lack of education and training. The workers can be protected from work hazards and prevented from various diseases and conditions by employing safety procedures and ensuring effective and adequate use of personal protective measures. There is a huge gap between knowledge and practices of safe handling of municipal solid waste among workers in India. With this background, a qualitative study was conducted to understand the knowledge and practices of municipal solid waste handlers in Bangalore city. The study highlighted fair good knowledge about waste segregation and different types of waste but a few lacked knowledge about sanitary waste. Almost all the workers were provided with safety gears but a very few used them as they were not comfortable. Most of the workers suffered from common ailments but utilized private healthcare facility and ended up spending high for health care. Workers lacked the facilities like drinking water, toilets and restrooms. Findings of the study have been employed to design a survey for the entire solid waste workers of Bangalore and to develop occupational health and safety manual and behaviour change interventions.