P-292 WORKING CONDITIONS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN WASTE RECYCLERS, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

Abstract Introduction South Africa has established various buy-back centres to aid in the recycling of created waste as a response to the rapid growth in waste generated. Previous research has indicated that the recyclers that sort waste are at higher risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The purpose of the study is to evaluate the working environments and prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal disorders among waste recyclers at buy-back facilities. Methods A cross-sectional quantitative study design was used to randomly sample 160 participants from ten buy back centers. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, workplace exposures and health outcomes. Results Frequencies were used to describe the study population and risk factors for MSDs were identified using logistic regression (crude and adjusted OR) at a significance level of < 0.05. The prevalence of MSDs among waste recyclers was 29.38% (n=47). There were statistically significant differences among participants with and without MSDs for the following factors: gender, education, lifting of heavy objects and injuries due to motor vehicle accidents at work. Multivariate analysis showed waste recyclers with work shift of 8-9 hours per day: (OR:1.36: 1.07-1.74) and 10+ hours (OR:1.50: 1.04-21.5), and those who did not report unsafe working conditions (OR:1.44: 1.10-1.88) were more likely to suffer from MSDs. Discussions Limitations included the cross-sectional nature of the study and the small sample size. Conclusion The study has highlighted the increased risk of occupational working conditions and the effect on health of waste recyclers and points out the need for mechanization of buy-back centres to prevent MSDs.