Days away from Work Injury and Associated Factors among Waste Collectors in Mekelle City, Northern Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: In its nature, solid waste management is a labour intensive industry, which exposes workers to numerous occupational hazards. This study was aimed to investigate the magnitude of days away from work injuries and associated factors among organized waste collectors in Mekelle city, Northern Ethiopia. Method: A questionnaire and observation checklist based cross-sectional study design was employed from June 1 to 30, 2017. Data was analysed using SPSS for windows 20.0. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression methods were used to describe the study population and assess the association between dependent and independent variables, respectively. Result: From the total of 279 waste collectors involved as a study participant, ten percent(10%) of them reported at least one day away from work injuries during the last twelve months. Female were 96% less likely to be injured as compared to male (AOR = 0.04, 95%CI: 0.008 -0.204). Being married is 87% less likely to be injured as compared to being a single (AOR = 0.130 95% CI: 0.027-0.621). The odds of injury were 4.5 times higher among those who do not use personal protective equipment as compared to their counterparts (AOR = 4.514 95%CI: 1.684-12.095). Waste collectors, who had less than 1000 Birr income, were 3 times more likely to be injured than waste collectors who had greater than 1001 Birr per month income (AOR = 3.008 95%CI: 1.081 - 8.371.Conclusion: Days away from work injury among waste collectors is a public health problem and has an impact on the economic and social well-being of workers. Therefore, strengthening the provision of personal protective devices and insuring its utilization is highly recommended.

Occupational Injuries and Associated Factors Among Municipal Solid Waste Collectors in Harar Town, Eastern Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study

“…15,26 Additionally, this study found that the use of personal protective equipment on the job sought to minimize solid waste collectors from suffering occupational injuries that was consistent with studies conducted in India, Egypt, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. 14,15,19,22,26,29…”

“…Questionnaire was prepared by reviewing previously conducted studies and international organization such as International Labour Organization (ILO). 10 , 14 , 15 , 18 - 23 It was designed to collect information about the prevalence of occupational injuries, socio demographic, behavioral, and other work-related factors. The questionnaire was first prepared in English and translated in to local language (Amharic and Afan Oromo), the local language of study participants.…”

“…Questionnaire was prepared by reviewing previously conducted studies and international organization such as International Labour Organization (ILO). 10,14,15,[18][19][20][21][22][23] It was designed to collect information about the prevalence of occupational injuries, socio demographic, behavioral, and other work-related factors.…”