OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND ERGONOMIC RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INFORMAL ELECTRONIC WASTE RECYCLING IN GHANA

File
A.A. Acquah1, C. D'Souza2, B. Martin3, J. Arko-Mensah4, I. Quakyi4, T. Robins5, J. Fobil6
1University of Ghana, Department of Physiotherapy, Accra, Ghana, 2University of Pittsburgh, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, Pittsburgh, United States, 3University of Michigan, Center for Ergonomics, Ann Arbor, United States, 4University of Ghana, Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Accra, Ghana, 5University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, United States, 6University of Ghana, College of Health Sciences, Accra, Ghana

Background: The proper disposal and safe recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) continues to present as a major global health challenge. In developing countries such as Ghana, large quantities of e-waste are donated and or imported in the form of "second hand" appliances which are often non-functional ending up as waste. Agbogbloshie in Ghana is one of the largest e-waste recycling sites in the world. Large quantities of e-waste are recycled by low-skilled low-wage workers using rudimentary methods which are labour intensive and exposes workers to toxic chemicals, respiratory and cardiovascular risks as well as physical trauma and injuries. Thus far, studies conducted on e-waste recycling have focused on the environmental and chemical effects with little attention on the associated physical hazards.

Purpose: This study investigated the ergonomic risks and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) associated with informal e-waste recycling.

Methods: A new ergonomic assessment tool developed to quantify ergonomic exposures associated with informal and unstructured work while accounting for the high variability in tasks performed in these setting was used for this study. The tool enables quantification of the intensity and frequency of ergonomic exposures at 60 seconds intervals over the work period. Awkward postures, forceful exertion, repetitive movement, and contact stress were assessed in real time during participants' entire work week. Three categories of e-waste workers comprising of 6 burners, 6 dismantlers and 11 collectors were sampled based on work variability. Burners, dismantlers and collectors were observed for 6, 8, and 3 days respectively. These corresponded to 7035, 6839 and 7007 observations respectively. Participants' WMSD complaints were assessed using the modified Nordic questionnaire at the beginning and end of the week within which ergonomic assessments were done. The Nordic questionnaire was modified to enable quantification of musculoskeletal discomfort on a 10-point scale. Mixed effect models were used to determine ergonomic exposures and WMSDs that were statistically relevant among the job categories. Linear regression models were used to determine the relationship between ergonomic exposures and WMSDs.

Results: Prominent exposures among all worker categories were prolonged standing, non-neutral neck posture, working with the hands below waist height, medium and high force exertion and contact stress. Collectors were exposed to prolonged walking while pulling along loaded collecting carts. Severe trunk flexion and high repetitive movements were peculiar to dismantlers and burners. Final WMSD ratings for lower back pain was significant across all worker categories (5.3±0.8 for collectors, 2.5±1.1 for dismantlers and 4.2±1.1 for burners). Shoulder pain was prominent among collectors and dismantlers, knee pain among collectors and neck pain among burners. A significant relationship (p=0.001) existed between collectors combined walking duration plus duration spent working with hands below the waist and low back pain.

Conclusions: The rudimentary method used in informal e-waste recycling is significantly associated with prolonged exposures to ergonomic risk factors resulting in WMSDs.

Implications: Development of safe work methods, use of personal protective equipment and strict e-waste importation laws may help remedy the problem. Ergonomists and Physiotherapist can help by remodeling work methods to ensure they comply with occupational health and safety practices.

Funding acknowledgements:
Funded by the GEOHealth II project; NIH Fogarty International Center (grant# U01-TW010103); Canadian International Development Research Centre (grant# 108121-001).

Keywords:
Ergonomics
e-waste recycling
Musculoskeletal disorders

Topics:
Occupational health & ergonomics
Musculoskeletal
Health promotion & wellbeing/healthy ageing/physical activity

Did this work require ethics approval? Yes
Institution: University of Ghana
Committee: Ethical and Protocol Review Committee, College of Health Sciences
Ethics number: CHS-Et/M.4-P3.9/2015-2016

All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.

Back to the listing