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SS36-03 OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES ON INFORMAL E-WASTE PROCESSING IN GHANA: ERGONOMICS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

2024; Oxford University Press; Volume: 74; Issue: Supplement_1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1093/occmed/kqae023.0226

1471-8405

Acran Salmen-Navarro, Bernard J. Martin, Clive D’Souza, Augustine A. Acquah, Julius N. Fobil,

Healthcare and Environmental Waste Management

Abstract Introduction Agbogbloshie in Accra Ghana is one of the major e-waste recycling hubs in the world. Recycling processes at this site are informal, rudimentary, and performed with bare hands and manual tools. This presentation will review findings on physical work exposures and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at Agbogbloshie. Materials and Methods Field-study to observationally assess physical work exposures and a modified Nordic Questionnaire to assess MSD complaints in 23 e-waste workers. Results Work time (WT) per day varied between days and worker categories, namely, collectors (345.1±77.3 mins), dismantlers (242.4±146.1 mins), and burners (325.0±153.1 mins). Significant physical exposures included walking and pulling a loaded cart with severe torso flexion for collectors; sitting with severe trunk flexion and hips/knees < 90°, lifting-lowering heavy items and repetitive hand motions for dismantlers; standing with severe trunk flexion and high repetition for burners. Non-neutral neck postures, working with hands below waist height, high force exertions and contact stress were significant for all worker categories. Most substantive MSD ratings were for the lower/upper back, shoulder, and knees for collectors; shoulder, hand-wrist and lower back for dismantlers; and lower back and neck for burners. Conclusions Physical exposures in informal e-waste processing predisposes workers to MSDs. Differences in type, duration, intensity, and repetition of exposures in collectors, dismantlers, and burners has implications for prioritizing and tailoring workplace interventions. Safer work methods are impeded by lack of financial, social, and governmental support. Urgent attention is needed given the growing number of informal workers, even in industrialized countries.