ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH EFFECTS OF OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS ON STREET SWEEPERS’ HEALTH IN NANSANA MUNICIPALITY, WAKISO DISTRICT

Abstract

Background Street sweepers play important roles for keeping the cities clean. Their works entail removing of debris from streets, collecting solid waste, disposing and recycling waste material. Consequently, they have higher chances to be exposed to numerous risk factors; therefore, their occupational safety and health hazard is crucial. Study objective This study assed the health effects of occupational hazards on street sweepers’ health in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, Uganda. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 50 street sweepers registered under Nansana Municipal council and three key informant interviews from the public health department of the municipality. Quantitative data was entered and coded using EPIDATA software. It was later cleaned and analyzed using STATA 13. It was analyzed at univariate level and at this level data analysis ran for all variables, percentages and frequencies and the results Presented in form of frequency tables, pie charts and bar graphs. Results It was established that various occupational hazards were affecting street cleaners including: dust (100.0%), exhaust fumes (86.0%), chemicals (32.0%), noise (from vehicles, motorbikes and human) (86.0%), welding lights (16.0%), decomposed foods (84.0%), frequent infections and injuries (64.0%), overworking/no offs (56.0%) and falling objects from constructions and moving vehicles carrying materials (2.0%). The study also found that most street cleaners have little knowledge on possible ways infections and diseases are being transmitted within their working environment. The study concluded that occupational hazards has led to coughs (94.0%), chest pains (58.0%), body injuries (broken leg/hand) (42.0%), hearing problems (16.0%), skin irritation (14.0%), low back pain (74.0%), joint pains (40.0%), eye irritation/loss of eyesight (32.0%) among the street cleaners. The study recommends that to reduce occupational hazards in sweepers, they must be made alert and aware of potential health risk arising from their work. Reduction in exposure and use of personal protective equipment should be encouraged