Work-related stress levels and musculoskeletal disorders among municipal solid waste collectors in Ankara

Abstract

Background: Industrialization and rising standards of living have contributed to a growing amount of solid waste and consequent disposal problems. Solid waste collection is among the occupations with the highest risk for musculoskeletal disorders.

Objective: We have conducted this study to assess musculoskeletal complaints and work-related stress levels among municipal solid waste (MSW) collectors.

Methods: The subjects were all currently employed at the MSW Department of the City of Ankara, Turkey. Validated questionnaires were completed by 267 MSW collectors. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (22.0 version).

Results: Upper back pain rate was 89.1% among the collectors. 47.9% of collectors reported having had upper back pain during the last 12 months and 38.7% had experienced it during the last month. 80.9% of the sample complained of shoulder pain. Wrists/hands and neck pain rates were found at rates of 78.7% and 67.8% respectively. Psychological demands, were significantly higher among MSW collectors living with moderate-severe pain.

Conclusions: Ergonomics education, healthy work habits, occupational safety training and improvements in the psychosocial work environment should be considered.

Keywords: Waste collection; job stress; psychological demands; risk assessment.