The present study is aimed to examine all types of Refuse collected (Households, commercial, industrial, and biomedical) and their potential health hazards for Household Refuse workers in Jordan. It also aimed to examine the ways of collecting Refuse and the safety measures which was taken while collecting Refuse.
A self-designed questionnaire was used to study, and examine the occupational health and safety hazards. The target population was (370) of Household Refuse workers, Refuse drivers, and their direct supervisors. A convenient sample of 207 was taken (no probability sampling).
The study showed that household and commercial Refuses are the most Refuses collected by the Refuse worker at 98.1% is household refuse and 97.1% is commercial refuse, per in mind that same workers deal with deferent type of
refuse. It also showed that most Refuse workers do not wear face mask (98.6%), overall (85.5%), rubber boot (78.9%), and protective gloves (45%).
The study also showed that Refuse workers suffered from different types of diseases and symptoms, such as sore throat, cough, and high temperature (55.3%), diarrhea or bloody stool (27.9%), shortness of breath (25%), and skin
disease (20.2%). Refuse workers were prone to different injuries, such as hit by any hard or sharp objects (61.1%), lift more than their capacity (37.4%), and fall while pulling or pushing the Refuse trolley (35.6%). The study also showed that Refuse workers whom were stuck with hard object (21.6%), pricked by hypodermic needles (20.2%), twisted ankle while on duty (34.1%), and suffered from a muscle tear (22.1%). It showed that (93.8%) of
Refuse workers were not vaccinated for tetanus and (85.6%) were not vaccinated for hepatitis.
In conclusion, Refuse workers face a tremendous health challenges. Refuse workers with middle age and with low level of education were at higher risk. Refuse workers should be provided with the necessary protective measures
(face mask, protective gloves, overall, and rubber boot). Education and training programs should be provided to all, and routine medical checkup program should be implemented and maintained, to keep them safe and secure.