Occupational health and safety hazards associated with informal solid waste scavenging at Richmond sanitary landfill, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Solid waste scavenging has historically been a challenge in most developing countries. This study assesses occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards associated with informal solid waste scavenging at Richmond Sanitary Landfill (RSL) in Bulawayo city, Zimbabwe. The case study research design was used combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was collected from secondary sources as well as primary sources using questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The participants were sampled using snowball and purposive sampling methods. A total of 90 questionnaires were administered to representatives of selected households involved in scavenging at RSL from which inferences were made. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Occupational health and safety hazards at RSL were dominated by ergonomics hazards emanating from manual lifting and awkward postures (86%), dust (79%), leachate ponds (50%), noise (58%), sharp objects (43%), chemical contaminated waste (21%) and pathogen infested waste (17%) all of which have potential to cause injuries and illnesses. OHS hazards were identified as a risk factor and a Chi square test of the association between occupational hazards and injuries encountered (p = 0.00) was done. The Municipality of Bulawayo did not have a documented number of scavengers working at their landfill, or an OSH program. To address OHS issues, there is need for the Municipality to adopt an OSH policy. Training of scavengers and waste pickers is recommended to make them competent in identifying health and safety hazards, effective use of personal protective clothing and enabling them to uphold best safety and health practices.