OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH-RELATED MORBIDITIES AMONG STREET SWEEPERS AND WASTE COLLECTORS AT BENI-SUEF, EGYPT | ||||
| Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine | ||||
| Article 6, Volume 37, Issue 1, January 2013, Page 79-94 PDF (179.09 K) | ||||
| Document Type: Study paper | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejom.2013.773 | ||||
 View on SCiNiTO | ||||
| Authors | ||||
| Ewis AA1; Mohamed ES1; Rahma MA,2; Hifnawy TM3; Arafa AE3 | ||||
| 1Department of Public Health and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt. | ||||
| 2Department of Community Health, Faculty of Nursing, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt. | ||||
| 3Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt. | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Introduction: Street sweepers play an important role in maintaining the health and hygiene in the communities. However, their job exposes them to various hazards while, little or no attention is paid to their health status. Aim of the work: To study the possible work-related morbidities among street sweepers and waste collectors emphasizing on the occupational risks they are exposed to and the preventive measures they take to avoid their job-related hazardous exposures. Materials and Methods: A total of 138 street sweepers and waste collectors and a matching control group of randomly selected 127 university workers and clerks were interviewed, answered the study questionnaire, and had medical examination, then they offered blood and stool samples for laboratory investigations. Results: Compared to the control group, street sweepers and waste collectors had significantly higher rates of HCV seropositivity, parasitic infestations, skin irritation, respiratory complaints and work-related injuries; but with significantly lower mean hemoglobin levels, (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was detected for HBV infection, eye complaints, joint or lower back pains. Most of street sweepers had never been medically examined, vaccinated, trained for safety practices or even health educated regarding their occupation-related health hazards. Conclusion: Street sweeping and waste collection is a hazardous job that exposes its workers to infections especially with the little, in any, protective measures they apply. Guidelines for safety measures and controlling infections should be emphasized and employed for those workers, while offering periodic medical examinations and supplying them with personal protective equipments. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Street sweepers; Occupational hazards; Waste collection; Morbidity – HCV | ||||
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