Status of occupational health and safety of waste workers in Chattogram city and the associated challenges

This study examines the occupational health and safety (OHS) status and challenges faced by waste management and sanitation workers in Chattogram City, Bangladesh. Despite the critical role these workers play in urban cleanliness, there is a lack of empirical research focusing on their specific OHS challenges in this context, particularly regarding gender-specific issues and the effectiveness of current safety measures. This study aims to address this gap by evaluating workers’ OHS knowledge, attitudes, and practices, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hygiene habits, and willingness to seek medical treatment and OHS training, and by providing recommendations to improve occupational health and safety practices among waste workers. A social survey was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 200 randomly selected workers. These workers were between 18 and 52 years old. Participants came from a variety of occupations, including sanitary pit collectors and road sweepers. The findings revealed poor hygiene practices among the workers and highlighted specific challenges faced by women waste workers, including discrimination and a lack of childcare services. The study found a high prevalence of chronic diseases among waste workers, with 64.0% reporting muscle pain, 46.3% experiencing back pain, and 22.2% suffering from asthma. Furthermore, access to hygiene facilities and financial assistance was limited; only 8% of workers had access to government-provided healthcare. Despite the significant health risks, only 18% of workers received any OHS training. A notable association between occupation and asthma, aligning with previous research on factors affecting cardiorespiratory health, was also observed. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted policies and interventions in waste management. The study provides recommendations to improve occupational health and safety practices among waste workers, policymakers, employers, and civil society to help protect the health and rights of waste and sanitation workers in Bangladesh.