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ABSTRACT
This study investigates the occupational safety of waste scavengers in Edo State, Nigeria, with objectives of identifying and categorizing the common occupational hazards and assess levels of awareness these hazards, and examine the prevalence of injuries and diseases among waste scavengers. A structured questionnaire was administered to 140 waste scavengers at two waste dump sites in Benin City. The study observed that waste scavengers are exposed to multiple hazards, including cuts, sharp objects, waist pain, and malaria, often without adequate protective gear. Although a high level of awareness about these occupational hazards was observed among the respondents, there was a significant gap in translating this awareness into safety measures and practices. Prevalent health conditions include malaria, waist pain, and headaches, with nearly 60% of respondents having contracted malaria since starting the job. Social and psychological dimensions of the job, including discrimination and self-pity, were also highlighted. The study recommends multi-pronged interventions that include provision of essential protective gear, occupational safety training, and advocacy for the establishment of safety standards and social benefits for waste scavengers. Public health agencies, NGOs, and policymakers should work collaboratively to address these challenges and improve the occupational safety and well-being of waste scavengers in Edo State, Nigeria.
