Characterization of perceived biohazard exposures, personal protective equipment, and training resources among a sample of formal U.S. solid waste workers: A pilot study

In the United States, the majority of waste workers work with solid waste. In solid waste operations, collection, sorting, and disposal can lead to elevated biohazard exposures (e.g., bioaerosols, bloodborne and other pathogens, human and animal excreta). This cross-sectional pilot study aimed to ch...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene 2023-03, Vol.20 (3-4), p.129-135
Main Authors: Le, Aurora B, Shkembi, Abas, Tadee, Anupon, Sturgis, Anna C, Gibbs, Shawn G, Neitzel, Richard L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bioaerosols
Biohazards
Body fluids
Cross-Sectional Studies
Exposure
Garbage collection
Hauling
Hazardous Substances
Humans
Landfills
Occupational exposure
Occupational Exposure - analysis
Personal Protective Equipment
Pilot Projects
Protective equipment
Solid Waste
Solid wastes
Training
United States
Waste disposal
Waste disposal sites
Workers
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Summary:In the United States, the majority of waste workers work with solid waste. In solid waste operations, collection, sorting, and disposal can lead to elevated biohazard exposures (e.g., bioaerosols, bloodborne and other pathogens, human and animal excreta). This cross-sectional pilot study aimed to characterize solid waste worker perception of biohazard exposures, as well as worker preparedness and available resources (e.g., access to personal protective equipment, level of training) to address potential biohazard exposures. Three sites were surveyed: (1) a family-owned, small-scale waste disposal facility, (2) a county-level, recycling-only facility, and (3) an industrial-sized, large-scale facility that contains a hauling and landfill division. Survey items characterized occupational biohazards, resources to mitigate and manage those biohazards, and worker perceptions of biohazard exposures. Descriptive statistics were generated. The majority of workers did not report regularly coming into contact with blood, feces, and bodily fluids (79%). As such, less than one-fifth were extremely concerned about potential illness from biological exposures (19%). Yet, most workers surveyed (71%) reported an accidental laceration/cut that would potentially expose workers to biohazards. This study highlights the need for additional research on knowledge of exposure pathways and perceptions of the severity of exposure among this occupational group.
ISSN:1545-9624
1545-9632
DOI:10.1080/15459624.2023.2179060