Abstract

The occupational health assessment of biomedical waste transportation workers was carried out in Chandrapur city, Central India. Hundred male workers were identified for the study who is engaged in this activity along with twelve individuals as a control population. Occupational health was assessed on the basis of specially designed interview schedule, microbial exposure along with lung capacity analysis by Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR). Results revealed needles, contaminated cotton, blood and urine samples are the most common objects in the biomedical waste. Injuries during work include, cut & prick due to glasses and metal objects, needles and intravenous-sets are common. Occupational health issues identified by these workers include redness and watering of eyes, skin itching, breathlessness, nausea, general body and back pain. PEFR analysis revealed observed values are less than expected values. No personal protective equipments are used by these workers. The indoor air quality of biomedical waste transportation vehicle pertaining to microbial analysis revealed presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It is recommended to bring these workers under existing Biomedical Waste (Management) Rule 2018 and ensure safe working conductions so to reduce occupational health disease burden on them. To reduce the occupational health hazards of these workers use of personal protective equipments should be encouraged, regular health check-up, medical insurance and training for effective handling of the biomedical waste needs to be provided.   

Key Words: Biomedical waste transportation worker, Chandrapur, Medical waste, Occupational health