Ergonomic risks at work and preventive measures for waste sorting operators and garbage collectors in waste sorting company

Abstract

The workers who are involved in the collection and sorting of waste are susceptible to a range of occupational hazards, such as musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory issues, physical harm. The aim of the study was to analyze ergonomic risks for waste sorting operators and garbage collectors, in one of the waste processing companies in Latvia and to develop preventive measures. The questionnaire and several ergonomic risk analysis methods were used in order to find out the opinion of workers about ergonomic strain and assess the ergonomics risks at the workplaces. Results show that waste sorting operators and garbage collectors are exposed to a range of ergonomic risks at work during work shifts. The ergonomic risk assessment methods used in the study revealed that both groups are exposed to a moderate workload with an overall risk level of III. This suggests that the occupations studied are subjected to overload at the work and preventive measures have been suggested.

Keywords: Sorters, Collectors, Waste, Ergonomics, Risks

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005181