An assessment of the health hazards that employees face in relation to the recycling programme at a beverage company in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

The foundational understanding of recycling in industry and the different waste streams that exist, together with the health hazards associated with these waste streams and how to manage them, is not clearly understood by all employees involved in the process. It is the duty of an organisation to provide training and information on this practice to adequately equip employees to function better in the workplace. Research suggests that not understanding the health hazards associated with recycling can lead to detrimental health consequences. However, could the lack of understanding of this practice result from a lack of poor implementation of the recycling programme, a behaviour or attitude issue linked to inadequate training or behaviours/challenges related to the training programmes? AIM AND OBJECTIVES The study aimed to assess the health hazards that employees were exposed to due to waste separation activities at a beverage company in KwaZulu Natal (KZN). The objectives of the study were to assess if the current recycling programme had been adequately implemented. In addition, the study addressed factors associated with health hazards and varying levels of awareness, staff perceptions, challenges, and attitudes within the organisation. Health hazards related to these factors, implementation of the programme and the effectiveness of the monitoring of the programme were also addressed. METHODOLOGY A quantitative study using the stratified random sampling method was used to collect data from 136 participants. Data from the questionnaires were statistically analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Software (SPSS Version 26) with a p-value of ≤ 0.05 indicating statistical significance. The data presents the descriptive statistics using graphs, figures, cross-tabulations, and tables. The inferential statistics used were the chi-square test and correlations values and were interpreted using the p-values. RESULTS Biographical data of respondents reported a ratio of 3:1 (p<0.001) males to females in the organisation. A post-school qualification was held by 50%. From an awareness perspective, it could be seen that awareness was evident in a few respondents. Most respondents exhibited the correct attitude to the recycling programme and had positive perceptions towards the programmes. CONCLUSION Recycling is of concern both in South Africa and internationally, therefore, the need for this research was necessary. This study found that the existing programmes are inadequate to meet the training needs of the employees due to various barriers. There is an action plan in place to address the concerns of this programme. Recycling programmes share many similarities and differences with those of other sustainability programmes. It is for this reason that the training and implementation processes should be reviewed and assessed to derive best practices that can be incorporated into current recycling programmes.