Exposure of medical waste handlers to hazardous waste and occupational accident/risk at lower health centers in Nwoya district, Uganda

Abstract

Medical waste is a total waste stream generated from the healthcare facilities during the health- care delivery process. However, it comprises mainly hazardous substances that affect humans and the environment. The study assessed the exposure of medical waste handlers to hazardous wastes and occupational accident/risk at the lower health centres in Nwoya district. The objectives were (1) To evaluate the training level and working condition of the waste handlers at the lower health centres in Nwoya district (2) To determine the effectiveness and use of PPT among waste handlers at the lower health centres in Nwoya district (3) To ascertain the implementation of SOPs at the lower health centres in Nwoya district. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Nwoya district at the lower health centres providinghealthcare services. Data was collected using field observations checklist for key informants and face to face interviews, and a questionnaire with open-ended questions were given to the respondents to obtained information on Socio-demographic characteristics, occupational Risks associated with handling Healthcare Waste, level of training, working condition, Effectiveness and use of available PPEs. The result showed that the waste handlers' training level was low, especially at the lower health centres due to limited funding/ resources and this may explain the lower rates of training observed for those at the lower health centres compared to the district and regional hospitals. The assessment made at the lower health centres revealed that all the waste handlers always lack a complete set of PPE, leading to their exposure to hazardous waste and occupational accident/risks. In conclusion,healthcare waste management remains below national and international standards in all the surveyed lower health centres in Nwoya district. On the other hand, the following recommendations were made to prevent exposure of medical waste handlers to hazardous wastes and occupational accident/risks at the lower health centres in Nwoya district such as the provision of comprehensive/basic training of waste handlers, need for effective use of PPEs, Increase budgeting, provision of water and detergent for washing up.