Health status and opinions toward flood-related refuse collection: A case study of refuse collectors at one district office of the Bangkok Metropolitan administration

Abstract

Introduction: Prolonged high floods can affect refuse collection. The refuse collectors need to change the method ofrefuse collection and may be at a high risk for occupational injuries. The objective of this study wasto assess the health status and opinions of refuse collectors towards flood-related refuse collection.

Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was to collect data from 186 refuse collectors who worked in onedistrict office of the Bangkok Metropolitan administration during the period of February to March 2012by using a set of self-administered questionnaires.

Result: The study population was exclusively male with an average age of 42.1 years, 66.9% of studyparticipants completed only primary level education. The most common illnesses or injuries reportedwere muscular pain (94.6%), fatigue (89.5%) and Athlete’s foot (85.3%). Five refuse collectors (3.6%)were hospitalized owing to a wound from a sharp object. Most respondents perceived an increased risk ofinfection from wading in water to collect rubbish, as well as an increased risk of bites from poisonousanimals and electric shock (64.8%, 54.7% and 53.2% respectively). They reported that district authoritiesshould provide safety equipment to prevent occupational injuries that might occur during flooding, andalso suggest that motorized boats ought to be provided for refuse collection.

Discussion and Conclusion: This study reported an increase in both physical and psychological health problems during flooding compared to a typical working situation. District authorities should consider providing auxiliary and safetyequipment and social support to minimize flood-specific risks.

Key words: Refuse collector, Health status, Opinion, Flooding