Paper short abstract:

Waste collection in many African cities have shifted from mechanical formal infrastructure to a more informal human practice. This paper does not just explore the actives of informal solid waste collectors but also interrogates the health and safety issues associated with their daily activities.

Paper long abstract:

Informal waste collection has been one of the majors ways through which many cities in Ghana are made clean. Meanwhile, solid waste collection has been noted to be one of the jobs that put human lives at risk. Handling and disposal of waste for some time now has been of concern to both development planners and public health experts. This is mainly because the collection of waste deals with handling of heavy objects and coming into contact with substances that are toxic to the human body. Insight into occupational Health and Safety of informal solid waste collectors is important as it can offer better management strategies to reduce the health effects of waste collection on the collectors.

This study therefore investigates the occupational characteristics, knowledge and practices of different types on informal waste collectors (itinerant waste collectors, dumpsite waste collectors and Household waste collectors) in the Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana. A cross-sectional study was used to survey 102 informal waste collectors as well as experts in waste management. The results, uncovered through qualitative analysis, revealed that knowledge, perception and practices of informal waste collectors were widely diverse as narratives on the use of Personal Protective Equipment, safe practices in waste disposal and visible effects (physical, chemical, ergonomic and psychosocial effects) of waste collection were very dependant on factors such education, gender and their environment. Amongst other recommendations, this study suggests that informal waste collectors should be monitored by the relevant institutions. It is also very important for them to be trained and educated on health and safety issues before they are made to start the job.