Prevalence and Frequency of Non-Fatal Workplace Injuries Among Waste Recyclers at Buy-Back Centres in Johannesburg, South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study
2025
Hlologelo Ramatsoma | Melitah Motlhale | Thulani Moiane | Kerry Wilson | Nisha Naicker
Physical hazards are the most common source of health effects among waste recyclers, frequently leading to worker injuries. South Africa&rsquo:s formal buy-back centres (BBCs) have emerged as key nodes in the recycling chain, yet the burden of non-fatal workplace injuries among BBC recyclers is not characterised. We conducted a cross-sectional study at ten BBCs in Johannesburg, enrolling 160 waste recyclers (median age 32 years: 55.6% female). A structured, interviewer-led questionnaire captured workers&rsquo: characteristics and self-reported injuries in the past six months. Robust Poisson regression was fitted to determine associations with frequent workplace injury. Overall, 69.4% of participants reported at least one injury. Cuts and lacerations (67.6%) and sprains or muscle strains (39.6%) predominated. Each additional year of age raised the risk of frequent workplace injury by 1% (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.01: 95% CI 1.00&ndash:1.02), each extra hour worked per day by 22% (aRR 1.22: 95% CI 1.04&ndash:1.42), and presence of hearing or vision problems by 45% (aRR 1.45: 95% CI 1.14&ndash:1.83). Targeted interventions&mdash:such as work hour regulation, sensory-friendly accommodations, and comprehensive, fit-focused PPE programs&mdash:are needed to reduce injury risk in this vulnerable workforce.
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