Assessment of Work Stress among Sanitary Workers

Aims: Sanitary workers play a significant role in maintaining cleanliness and public health. However, they operate in hazardous conditions and face several work-related challenges that contribute to high levels of stress. The study was intended to assess occupational stress experienced by sanitation workers and to identify workplace factors contributing to stress levels to guide workplace improvements to enhance well-being of the workers. Study Design: A descriptive research design with random purposive sampling technique was adopted for the study to examine sanitation workers’ practices pertaining to occupational stress and challenges and the working conditions. Place and Duration of Study: The study comprised sanitation workers from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Methodology: Data was collected using the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Work-Related Stress Indicator Tool, which evaluated different factors such as workload, clarity of roles, managerial and peer support and interpersonal relationships and were rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, like frequencies, percentages, total scores and mean scores and respondents were categorized into low, moderate and high stress levels by comparing frequency and percentage distributions. Results: The findings from the study revealed that, an overall mean stress score of 3.28, reflected a moderate level of occupational stress. About 63.30% of respondents experienced moderate stress, 26.70% reported high stress and 10% reported low stress. Among the major factors that contributed to stress were workplace bullying, which was more significant with a mean score of 4.00, followed by the strain of emotionally demanding tasks (mean = 3.37) and the pressure of heavy workloads (mean = 2.77). Workers also expressed that having clear job roles (mean = 3.73) and receiving support from colleagues (mean = 3.63), which lessened the pressures faced in day-to-day work demands. Conclusion: Sanitation workers were found to experience a moderate level of occupational stress. The findings revealed the need to workplace better by avoiding bullying, proper distribution of tasks and support from the employers and impart awareness on such issues to improve the overall wellbeing and quality of life of the workers.