Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms among Workers at an Informal Electronic-Waste Recycling Site in Agbogbloshie, Ghana

Augustine A. Acquah, Clive D’Souza, Bernard J. Martin, John Arko-Mensah, Duah Dwomoh, Afua Asabea Amoabeng Nti, Lawrencia Kwarteng, Sylvia A. Takyi, Niladri Basu, Isabella A. Quakyi, Thomas G. Robins and Julius N. Fobil
Additional contact information
Augustine A. Acquah: Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra 00233, Ghana
Clive D’Souza: Center for Ergonomics, Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2117, USA
Bernard J. Martin: Center for Ergonomics, Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2117, USA
John Arko-Mensah: Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra 00233, Ghana
Duah Dwomoh: Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra 00233, Ghana
Afua Asabea Amoabeng Nti: Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra 00233, Ghana
Lawrencia Kwarteng: Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra 00233, Ghana
Sylvia A. Takyi: Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra 00233, Ghana
Niladri Basu: Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
Isabella A. Quakyi: Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra 00233, Ghana
Thomas G. Robins: Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
Julius N. Fobil: Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra 00233, Ghana

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-21

Abstract: Informal recycling of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) has myriad environmental and occupational health consequences, though information about the chronic musculoskeletal health effects on workers is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and intensity of self-reported musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms among e-waste workers at Agbogbloshie in Ghana—the largest informal e-waste dumpsite in West Africa—relative to workers not engaged in e-waste recycling. A standardized musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire was administered to 176 e-waste workers (73 collectors, 82 dismantlers, and 21 burners) and 41 workers in a reference group. The number of body parts with musculoskeletal discomfort were 1.62 and 1.39 times higher for collectors and dismantlers than burners, respectively. A 1-week discomfort prevalence was highest for collectors (91.8%) followed by dismantlers (89%), burners (81%), and the reference group (70.7%). The discomfort prevalence for e-waste workers was highest in the lower back (65.9%), shoulders (37.5%), and knees (37.5%). Whole-body pain scores (mean ± SE) were higher for collectors (83.7 ± 10.6) than dismantlers (45.5 ± 7.6), burners (34.0 ± 9.1), and the reference group (26.4 ± 5.9). Differences in prevalence, location, and intensity of MSD symptoms by the e-waste job category suggest specific work-related morbidity. Symptom prevalence and intensity call attention to the high risk for MSDs and work disability among informal e-waste workers, particularly collectors and dismantlers.

Keywords: musculoskeletal disorders; ergonomics; electrical and electronic waste (e-waste); informal work; Agbogbloshie (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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