Occupational Risks Associated with Solid Waste Management in the Informal Sector of Gweru, Zimbabwe

Table 3

Occupational hazards affecting waste workers in the informal enterprises.

Hazard	Task
Muscular-skeletal disorders	Lifting and carrying heavy loads and pushing pushcart
Biological agents	Handling of organic waste, handling contaminated materials, and working in contaminated environment (mould, dirt)
Hazardous substances	Working with mixed waste
Mechanical hazards	Unintentional contact with sharp items and working near moving parts of machinery/vehicles
Noise/machinery	Working near heavily frequented roads and in the vicinity of loud vehicles (enterprise workshops such as carpentry, metal work, and engineering)
Vibration	Pushing vehicles on uneven ground
UV/IR radiation	Working in the sun
Electrical risks	Taking waste from workshops
Psychological burden	Working with waste and disrespect of society