Perceived health risk associated with washroom cleaning among sanitation workers in a public tertiary institution in Ghana

The advantages of better sanitation and proper hygienic practices are widely acknowledged and practised as a successful approach to infectious disease control. However, organizational inefficiencies and structural challenges hinder better sanitation services and more importantly neglect of the well-being or health of sanitation workers. This study examines the perceived health risk associated with washroom cleaning among sanitation workers in a public tertiary institution in Ghana. The study employed the hermeneutic phenomenological design with a qualitative approach. The study found that sanitation workers used strong disinfectants and cleaning chemicals in cleaning the washrooms. The study revealed that sanitation workers faced stigma and discrimination, low remuneration and job insecurity and inadequate personal protective equipment. It was also found that sanitation workers experienced musculoskeletal, respiratory, and psychosocial health risks. The findings imply that sanitation workers face a challenging and high-risk work environment, with significant health risk, inadequate protection, and limited support. The study underscores the need for improved working conditions, proper safety equipment, fair remuneration and interventions to address both physical and psychosocial health risks.