Study on Occupational Health Hazards of Municipal Solid Waste Workers - A Review

Occupational health hazards refer to possible adverse health impacts one undergoes in their working environment.  Annually 2.1 billion tons of waste is produced around the world which is usually managed by municipal solid waste workers (MSW) or municipal workers. Managing the waste produced is not an easy task as they work tirelessly. The municipal workers undergo many occupational hazards due to their poor working conditions, poor health and hygiene facilities, lack of proper protective equipment, and less or zero knowledge of proper waste management techniques. The occupational risks include biological risks from pathogens and pathogen-carrying agents such as viruses, bacteria, flies, and rodents; chemical risks from wastes such as biomedical wastes, soaps and detergents, and other poisonous substances and physiological risks due to their working conditions and heavy physiological activity. The health problems of municipal solid waste workers can be classified into musculoskeletal, respiratory, headaches, and dermatological and gastrointestinal problems. Prolonged exposure may lead to problems such as allergies, stomach pain, asthma, and other diseases. Poor working conditions, education, and socioeconomic conditions also act as factors that increase the risk of occupational hazards. This article emphasizes on the types of various health impacts through which municipal workers undergo throughout their work.