An investigation into the occupational risk factors, and prevalence of communicable diseases amongst health care risk waste handlers at a treatment plant at eThekwini district in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

The well-being of health care risk waste handlers in treatment plants is a concern. As health care risk waste increases, reported cases of communicable diseases also increase. Various studies have shown that health care risk waste potentially impairs health because of the infectious agents, leading to skin irritation, blood infections, and respiratory problems. Treatment plants play a huge role in decreasing waste capacities. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the prevalence of communicable disease and the occupational risk factors amongst health care risk waste handlers in a treatment plant at EThekwini District in KwaZulu-Natal. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to a purposively selected stratified sample of 67 drivers, 85 driver assistants, and 15 machine operators. The sample populous was found to be aware of the dangers inherent in their occupation. Furthermore, a large proportion of the sample population indicated that they had suffered from a cough since the commencement of their occupational duties. However, needle prick and contact with waste medical fluids were two of the most experienced incidences by the sample population. Protective personal equipment (PPE) based studies, with a focus on capturing the use of gloves to get a clearer picture and to help provide standards for regulators to implement, are recommended.