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http://dx.doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2010.36.3.247

Strategies for Protecting Waste Collectors' Health and Safety  

Kim, Shin-bum (Wonjin Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health)
Ryu, Seung-Hun (Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University)
Park, Dong-Uk (Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University)
Lee, Yun-Keun (Wonjin Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health)
Publication Information
Journal of Environmental Health Sciences / v.36, no.3, 2010 , pp. 247-253 More about this Journal
Abstract
Recycling is a main issue in protection of the environment and waste collection and sorting have much higher value in current recycling policies than they did previously. Waste collectors, like firefighters and policemen, are working for the public benefit, however, waste collection is more dangerous than either police or firefighting work. In the USA, waste collectors are 10 times more likely than the average worker to die on the job. Waste collectors also suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, infectious diseases and various injuries. If we truly appreciate the worth of waste collectors, we need to improve their working environment and personal hygiene. Furthermore, abolishing discrimination will be a very important step towards greater protection for waste collectors.
Keywords
waste collector; bioaerosol; infectious disease; privatization; hygiene;
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