Professional Documents
Culture Documents
THE PROBLEM
Introduction
The rapidly new innovations being introduced on a daily basis and new
breakthroughs and discoveries being applied into society to improve our everyday lives,
the strain on our ability to continually manage and dispose of our waste has become an
issue that is slowly but surely creeping into our personal lives. The difficulty in assessing
the amount of actual waste that our society produces becomes difficult, especially with
the growth of poverty and urbanization in third world countries leaving the less
fortunate to be left with no other choice than to actually settle in these hazardous and
With the worlds population having grown enormously throughout its natural
course, so has its ability to go through its resources, and consequently its waste. By
2025, the amount of garbage in the world is expected to multiply tenfold, flooding our
ecosystem with pollutants and biochemical wastes that pose a threat to our planets
health. This expected amount of waste that is being generated every minute of our lives
is pumping our worlds oceans and rivers with harmful chemicals that is drastically
causing shifts within previously stable and isolated ecosystems, and greenhouse gases
that are entering our atmosphere has slowly exacerbated our planets ability to cool
itself naturally, leading to abnormal climate changes and adverse weather patterns that
endanger our everyday lives. More and more in our lifetime, tropical hurricanes of
varying intensity, tidal waves and tsunamis, as well as tornadoes and other natural
phenomena are becoming more commonplace, and at alarmingly more disastrous levels.
Our planet is in a state of an ecologic shift, and like it or not our compounded,
relentless accumulation of waste globally as a species may indeed be one of the main
causes for its demise. Our consumerist society may be at fault, causing more harm than
In light of this, the need to effectively be able to manage, dispose, and separate
our waste, especially in this part of the world has become a plight that few often give
enough attention to. More often than not, the extent of the peoples exposure and
attention to the household trash that they go through on a daily basis falls just short of
having to take out their toxic plastic bags outside of their homes, after having filled
them with a cesspool of harmful pathogens and bacteria, coupled with both bio and
A short history on the occupation of the garbage collector reveals that these
community level as well as the chief contributors to improving the general quality of
urban life through waste management. Cleaner streets generally meant better health for
all involved and the garbage collectors of the day had a large part in ensuring that
proper sanitary standards were upheld to provide a cleaner, healthier place to live and
do business.
2
This responsibility however comes with certain risks that are simply unavoidable
psychical and chemical exposure to different vapors, smokes, fumes and dusts which
can lead to adverse, acute and chronic respiratory health effects. Additionally, their state
of psychological health may have been influenced by their occupation. To add to this,
job for those who are uneducated or unskilled may have an effect on their overall
mental health.
This study aims to shed a light on the occupational risk factors that affect
psychologically, and socially, with each factor offering a different set of hazards, and
each pose a risk at work. In doing so the researchers hope to formulate an intervention
plan that can potentially assist and improve their overall condition. Certain preventive
measures may be enforced to render them less susceptible to the health hazards that
the lives of people who offer such a vital purpose in our society is rewarding and we
3
Statement of the Problem
a. age
b. gender
c. educational attainment
d. marital status
e. employment status
f. length of service
2. What are the extent of occupational risk experienced by garbage collectors along
a. Physiological
b. Psychological
c. Social
4. What intervention plan may be proposed as a result of the findings of the study?
4
Scope and Delimitation
The study will encompass the elements underlying the occupational risk factors
of garbage collectors in Naga city. The garbage collectors reckoned in this study are the
workers who round with in the premise of the city from Downtown-Centro up to the
different barangays. It is important to note that this kind of job is regulated by the local
people that have responded in the data gathering. The range of the age of these
workers started from eighteen (18) to sixty (60) years old. This particular range pertains
This study will focus on the extent of the occupational risk experienced by the
garbage collectors along its physiological, psychological and social aspects. Under
physiological are the cases of signs and symptoms that the garbage collectors
experienced through their work. This study does not involve the cases of disease
process acquired before they enter in the occupation. The psychological aspect involves
the personal aspect of the garbage collectors on how they are affected by their work.
The social aspect involves their point of view as to how they perceive themselves based
on their experience in relation to the community around them. We will also include the
status and length of service. The employment status includes three options, the full
time, part time and probational. It is noteworthy that provisional status is included so
the short term length of service is still considered in this study specifically at least two
5
months because their experience of exposure in the work cannot fully determine their
selected characteristics and the extent of the risk experienced by the garbage collectors.
will help them observe the proper precautionary measures for the prevention of the
probable health hazard and for the prevention of any psychological disturbances and as
To all Health workers or health professionals, for this study will raise their
awareness about the probable or an overview of the Physical, Physiological and social
aspects of garbage collectors. It will also give them an idea on how to impose strategic
To all Immediate Family, for this research will also cater the immediate family of
garbage collectors whom they have a direct or indirect contact with. If the study is
demonstrated to be true, it will provide ways for the garbage collectors family to
6
the former from their work and it will guide them on how to help the garbage collectors
cope up with the physical and social problems they are in to.
To all other waste disposal workers, because findings of this research, once
proven to be in accordance with facts, does not solely benefit garbage collectors but
also their co-workers who engage indirectly or directly on the same works as them like
garbage truck drivers and to name a few. It will give ways to counteract possible risk
the researchs outcome will give advantages to the whole population in general. It will
equip them with awareness of what the garbage will cause and how it will affect them,
letting them devise methods on how to get rid of the possible risk factors associated
with wastes.
the research calls for accuracy and factuality, it will help the manufacturing company on
devising and innovating ways to improve their products to efficiently and effectively defy
or at least diminish health hazards arising from wastes and rubbishes when used in
garbage collectors along with the accompanying applications that are in line with this
field. Additionally, findings in this area can dictate future developments in the study.
7
NOTES
8
CHAPTER 2
This chapter present a review of related literatures and studies relevant to the present
Related Literature
materials and foraging animals they may come across in the course of their duty. There
are countless ways to be injured on the job and all manner of toxic materials in the
trash that garbage men carry and transport every day. It is important to know what to
look out before beginning your days work. Lifting heavy objects repeatedly can result in
spinal damage, hernias or any number of physical injuries. Proper lifting techniques help
to reduce the danger, as does the practice of asking a fellow trash collector for help
when lifting a particularly heavy or awkward item. Weather is often the cause of falls
and physical.
Garbage collectors come across ice, rain and high winds often and must cope
with the slick and hazardous conditions they can create. Garbage collectors must know
the danger of their job. They must be cautious to every piece they encounter. If not,
they might have face countless way to be injured to and in the process of collecting they
also might have encounter toxic substances that may harm them.
9
According to Mathys, W. et al, (2014) The authors studied the kind of work a
sample of 36 garbage collectors have been doing in a city of the state of Sao Paolo. A
high frequency of occupational accidents and sick-due to health problems and some
occupational risk was observed among them, and also that these workers havent worn
the individual protection equipment received, that probably contributes to such number
of stop working.
In their study the talk about waste management. They emphasis the proper
disposal, transport and storage of the garbages collected from house-to-house by the
garbage man. They were concern how the garbage collector handle a proper delivery of
the waste materials they collected also the way they store them in the dump sites. They
saw the potential health risk of this in houses near the dump site and also risk in the
Their study somehow garbage collectors value their jobs even they already knew how
dangerous it could be, because they value their income very much that it is the only
source of their living. Most of the garbage collectors in the studies are married
occupations with the highest risk for injuries and illnesses. Solid waste collector injuries
were characterized in terms of injury risk and employment industry sector (public versus
private) using Kentucky workers' compensation first reports of injury and claims data.
When compared to 35-44-year-old workers, solid waste collectors who were under 35
years of age were less likely to have a workers' compensation first report of injury or
claim that resulted in awarded benefits. The probability that a workers' compensation
10
first report of injury or claim would result in an awarded benefit was higher if the worker
was employed as a solid waste collector in the private sector compared to the public
injury. A better understanding of the differences in the contributing factors for an injury
that results in a first report of injury or claim with awarded benefits (e.g., job activities,
new and refresher worker safety training, type of equipment used, differences in
collection vehicle automation, and differential reporting of injuries on the job) between
the public and private sectors is necessary to target injury prevention strategies in this
high-risk occupation.
interest in recycling of domestic waste has emerged, and action plans to increase the
feature of these plans is the implementation of new systems and equipment for the
collection of domestic waste which has been separated at source. However, only limited
systems.
current knowledge, it appears that the risk factors should be considered as an integrated
entity, i.e. technical factors (poor accessibility to the waste, design of equipment) may
act in concert with high working rate, visual fatigue due to poor illumination and perhaps
muscle fatigue due to high work load. Musculoskeletal problems are also common
among waste collectors. A good deal of knowledge has accumulated on mechanical load
11
on the spine and energetic load on the cardio-pulmonary system in relation to the
handling of waste bags, bins, domestic containers and large containers. However,
needed, both to further identify high risk work conditions and to provide a detailed basis
for the establishment of occupational exposure limits for mechanical and energetic load
In 1975, an excess risk for chronic bronchitis was reported for waste collectors in
Geneva and data from the Danish Registry of Occupational Accidents and Diseases also
indicate an excess risk for pulmonary problems among waste collectors compared with
the total work force. Surprisingly few measurements of potentially hazardous airborne
exposures have been performed, and the causality of work-related pulmonary problems
Recent studies have indicated that implementation of some new waste collection
systems may result in an increased risk of occupational health problems. High incidence
rates of gastrointestinal problems, irritation of the eye and skin, and perhaps symptoms
of organic dust toxic syndrome (influenza-like symptoms, cough, muscle pains, fever,
fatigue, and headache) have been reported among workers collecting the biodegradable
The few data available on exposure to bio-aerosols and volatile compounds have
indicated that these waste collectors may be simultaneously exposed to multiple agents
such as dust containing bacteria, endotoxin, mold spores, glucans, volatile organic
12
compounds, and diesel exhaust. Several studies have reported similar health problems
as well as high incidence rates of pulmonary diseases among workers at plants recycling
domestic waste. Large scale research activities including surveys and analytical
epidemiologic studies are needed to identify the actual causes of these occupational
diseases aiming at the prevention of occupational health problems when new waste
Institute of Occupational Safety and Hygiene the microbial exposure during waste
collection and the health of waste collectors are being examined. The investigation of
the exposure is carried out in standard experiments and in field studies. It should give
information about the extent of emissions of bacteria and fungi spores and confounding
factors. Medical examinations of waste collectors will show if there are special health
The study also about the risk of bacterial and fungi spores that affect the health of all
the garbage collectors and also the persons who are expose to the harmful environment
Related Studies
According to Miller, (2012) At first glance, garbage collecting may not seem
extremely hazardous. But research shows that it can fact be both dangerous and even
deadly. A report from the National Institute for occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
shows that between 1980 and 1992, 450 sanitation workers aged 16 or older died in
13
incidents involving refuse collection truck and was truck or run over by their own
vehicle.
Unfortunately, the risk of injury and death hasnt improved much since then. In
2007, the Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that reuse and recycle materials collector had
a fatality rate of 22 per 100,000 workers, placing them among occupations with high
fatality rates. In 2004, NIOSH reported that workers in waste management were in the
top three job classifications to have the greatest risk of falling, and were number six
have the greatest number of fatalities in the service sector. Solid waste collection
workers were also two times likelier to suffer lost workday injuries than the average
Garbage collectors has the most hazardous job, the fact that it can be both
dangerous and even deadly. Most people dont see the danger they face every time they
collect garbage house to house. Some people under estimate the job of a garbage
collector, but researches prove that it is the most dangerous and also the most tiring
job. Every day, they collect the city and in villages trash and at the same rime they face
According to Barber, (2011), Solid waste haulers rank third on the list of the
riskiest jobs in US, according to a study by the Florida Center of Solid and hazardous
waste management, Miami, and the University of Miami. Averaging 90 deaths annually
per 100,000 workers collection falls behind fishing, with 178 deaths, and timber cutting
14
with 156. The Higher number of deaths can be attributed partly to impatient drivers,
who try to pass stopped garbage collection vehicles and end up hitting collectors.
This makes wastes handling a riskier occupation than airplane pilot, which
averages 88 per 100,00oworkers, and taxicab driver, which averages 32 deaths. The
mortality rate is 100 times higher than what is considered acceptable risk by any
standard, say James Englehardt, University of Miami professor of civil, architectural and
environmental engineering and a lead researcher for the study. The injury rate also is
staggering, according to study. Collectors, on average, are injured five to seven times
more than the average worker, with 52.7 injuries per 100 workers. Most of those are
and travel policies aim to optimize the use of transportation systems to achieve
economic and related social and environmental goals. To this end, a novel methodology
based on life cycle assessment (LCA) has been developed in this study, with the aim of
quantifying, in terms of CO2 emissions equivalent, the impact associated with different
alternatives of waste collection systems in different urban typologies. This new approach
is focussed on saving energy and raw materials and reducing the environmental impact
associated with the waste collection system in urban areas, as well as allowing the
design and planning of the best available technologies and most environment-friendly
management.
15
The methodology considers a large variety of variables from the point of view of
sustainable urban transport such as the location and size of the urban area, the amount
of solid waste generated, the level of social awareness on waste separation procedures,
the distance between houses and waste collection points and the distance from the
latter to the possible recovery plants and/or landfills, taking into account the material
As a case study, two different waste collection systems have been evaluated with
approximately 10,000 homes: (i) a system based on traditional truck transportation and
manual collection, and (ii) a stationary vacuum waste collection system. Results show
that, when operating at loads close to 100%, the stationary collection system has the
contrast, when operating at load factors around 13% the environmental benefits in
terms of net CO2-eq. emissions for the stationary collection system are around 60%
According to Swiss Journal of Psychology (2010) Verlag Hans Huber, the status
environmental stressors, has been widely discussed in the recent scientific literature.
Nevertheless, little researcher has been done in developing countries to establish the
behavior that certain populations could adapt in relation to the management of specific
stress factors. In the research reported here we have tried to identify some variables
16
which distinguish the propensity to identify the presence of domestic garbage as a
discussed.
called street sweepers and/or dustmen, are responsible for a public service essential for
environmental preservation, thus for public health: collecting household and commercial
waste. It is estimated that more than 90 thousand people perform this work in Brazil1
and during their labor activity they are exposed to physical, chemical, biological and
psycho-social risks. Solid waste collectors have a high workload, with intensive physical
demands, among them walking, running, going up and down slopes and raising and
carrying weight along the day, among others. Exposure to high physical demand levels
caused by excessive use of such structures, associated to insufficient recovery. They are
17
In the United States, WMSDs are responsible for more than half the diseases
the Workers' Health Information System, 51.2% of reported diseases in 2008 in the
state of Rio Grande do Sul, state from the extreme South of Brazil, were WMSDs. So, it
There are few published studies evaluating osteomuscular health of solid waste
collectors around the world. A study evaluating waste collection-related factors has
different study carried out in Florida, USA, has found 75% prevalence of osteomuscular
injuries in the last 12 months among household solid waste collectors8. In Brazil, few
studies were found analyzing such subject. In light of the severity of the problem
involving workers' health, as well as due to a gap in the knowledge about the prevalence
of osteomuscular disorders among solid waste collectors, this study is justified and aims
activity within any city. In this paper we study how to collect waste in an efficient way.
We study the Waste Collection Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Window which is
concerned with finding cost optimal routes for garbage trucks such that all garbage bins
are emptied and the waste is driven to disposal sites while respecting customer time
windows and ensuring that drivers are given the breaks that the law requires. We
18
propose an adaptive large neighborhood search algorithm for solving the problem and
illustrate the usefulness of the algorithm by showing that the algorithm can improve the
objective of a set of instances from the literature as well as for instances provided by a
There have been a lot of studies that prove our observations on the risk of
risk of garbage collector which determine the characteristics and level of risk factor of
the garbage collector. Garbage collectors have the most hazardous job and the third
deadliest one. There are the countless ways to be injured on the job and all manner of
toxic materials in the trash that the garbage men carry and transport every day.
Garbage collector often hang suspended from the sides or near of garbage
trucks, walk in and out of traffic regularly and ride outside the trucks from stop to stop
to cut down on the time required to climbed into and out of the cab repeatedly. Because
its hard, dirty work, garbage collectors tend to draw support from the public, even their
trash piled up during a garbage strike. Thats one reason that garbage collectors
In the study of Swiss Journal of Psychology not only the garbage collectors are
affected but also the families. The studies provide support for the potential harm that
19
their occupation can inflict upon their personal health without directly meaning to. The
who was conducted safety trainings for Garbage Collectors stated that like other
profession that require physical, labor, garbage collecting can put tremendous strain as
on your body as well. In some cities, trash pickup crews still run at average of 20 miles
per day behind moving garbage trucks. According to a report from the US Bureau of
Labor Statistic, in 2006 there over 3, 000 instances of lost workdays nationally because
of injuries to garbage collectors working for country and city collection service.
jumping in and out of garbage trucks and lifting cans that can sometimes weigh 100
pound or more. The weight and the often-awkward positions can cause back strain and
uncle sprains. And on the days when the road is slick, lifting heavy cans can lead to a
jobs, at times even more dangerous than police work, but consistently less dangerous
than commercial fishing and ranch and farm work. On the job hazards include broken
glass; medical waste such as syringes; caustic chemicals; falling objects from
overloaded containers; diseases that may accompany solid waste; asbestos; dog attacks
and pests; inhaling dust, smoke, and fumes; inclement weather, traffic accidents and
20
odours so foul that they can make one physically sick. In developing countries waste
According to Miller At first glance, garbage collecting may not seem extremely
hazardous. But research shows that it can be both dangerous and even deadly. The
Furthermore, Barber which has the same study, concluded that solid waste
collectors rank third on the list of the riskiest jobs in US, according to a study by the
Florida Center of Solid and hazardous waste management, Miami, and the University of
The Higher number of deaths can be attributed partly to impatient drivers, who
try to pass stopped garbage collection vehicles and end up hitting collectors. Marcello
found out that there are countless ways to be injured on the job and all manner of toxic
materials in the trash that garbage men carry and transport every day. It is important to
know what to look out before beginning your days work. Lifting heavy objects
of Occupational Safety and Hygiene the microbial exposure during waste collection and
the health of waste collectors are being examined. Not only solid waste is a treat to
21
garbage collectors also microbial and fungal which can cause serious disease that can
Finally, Mathys W. et al, they studied 36 garbage collectors in a city and they
find out what leads occupational accidents. Sick-due to health problems and some
occupational risk was observed among them, and also that these worker havent worn
the individual protection equipment received, that probably contributes to high risk in
Theoretical Framework
This study employed the aspect and role of a person as the subject of the study.
The theory of epidemiological triad is very relevant in interpreting and explaining the
outlook, perspective and behaviour of the garbage collectors in Naga city because they
themselves are humans and that influences their nature of understanding and the
environment they are exposed to. The action of people is the manifestation of the
outcome of the degree of the influencing factors. This theory discusses the fundamental
diseases. The theory has three significant components composed of the agent,
environment and host. The agent is a factor primarily responsible for the disease
causation. Its presence suggests the possibility that any form of disease may occur or
not. These agents are microorganisms that survive in places conducive for their growth
and its virulence describes whether once exposed to a suitable place, can be dangerous
22
or and lethal because of its rapid multiplication and spread, therefore it is called
be communicable. The garbage collectors are obviously exposed to these agents as their
work involves waste collection of indefinite source and in any forms. The host is a
easily affected, the immunity if he has compromised or competent immune system and
the nutrition he is taking if its enough to support his well-being. Also, it is because of
the behavior of the host that contribute to the chance that of acquiring anything
dangerous.
The host plays the subjective role of making decisions. He has the capacity to
think for himself or what emotion to rule him. In this way, his psychological aspect
affects him greatly that at the end, would affect the way he interacts in the society. The
environment describes a physical, social or biological context. The study focused on the
physical aspect where the medium of host and agent interaction takes place.
Environment also include the vector, route of infection and its contact. All these are
prominent to the garbage collectors as they are hosts and the nature of their work
The overall use of the theory of epidemiological triad explicates the overall
aspect of the garbage collectors as they deal with their psychological, physiological and
social matters. It defines their interaction to others as what is inside of them reflects
23
their action. This theory guides the study and the researchers have the appropriate
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The application of the theories to the variables has established the processes and
its relationships to the study. The conceptual framework described the variables used in
the study and the paradigm of the study as shown in Figure 1 stated the independent
and dependent variable of the study. Under independent variables are the age, sex,
It is assumed that the independent variable will have an effect to the dependent
variable. The dependent variables include the three personal aspects of physical,
psychological and social. The study necessitates knowing the selected demographic
The age of the respondents can affect and influence a persons perception to so
many things. A person can be more understanding to a given situation or probably may
feel the opposite. Age can affect the performance of garbage collectors. The immune
system weakens and become immunocompromised as the age of the respondents gets
older.
men are physically stronger than women. Thats why we can observe that all garbage
24
collectors are male. Female garbage collectors are very rare. Usually females are street
cleaners.
Then the educational attainment this influence the knowledge of the respondents
to the health hazard of their work. If the respondents level of education is low, they are
The marital Status affects the outlook and decision making of the respondents in
life. It affects the different aspect of the worker because marriage adds to the factor
that the worker will honour or prioritize aside from himself, his work or the other way.
Lastly, the length of service determines the duration of the respondents in their
field of work. The respondents may acquire diseases depending on the length of their
service at work. Longer times at work may give the respondents more diseases or
injuries. Lesser times at work may give less diseases and injuries to the respondents.
25
Selected Characteristics Extent of occupational
of Garbage Collector risk experienced by
Garbage Collector
age
Proposed
Physiological factors
gender
intervention plan
Psychological
educational attainment
for garbage
factors
marital status
collectors in Naga
Social factors
employment status
City
length of service
26
Physiological Factors
Physiological factors are aspect regarding the acts of a living organism and its
parts in addition to the physical and chemical procedures engaged in these acts.
Assessment of energy expenditure during work and its physical demand is important for
the fields of work physiology and workers' health, because it provides useful information
for determining the job's physiological workload and estimating the workers' energy
requirements.
Psychological Factors
Psychological factors are the factors pertaining to how the garbage collectors of
The increased generation of garbage has become a problem in Naga City, with greater
demand for collection services. The collector is subjected to high workload. This study
describes the work in garbage collection service, highlighting the requirements of time,
Social Factors
Social factors are the things that affect the garbage collectors in terms of their
interaction to people such as family, neighbours or strangers. This can have a positive
discrimination.
The composite of the demographic data with the different personal aspects lead
the respondents and the extent of occupational risk experienced by garbage collectors.
27
This process seeks to distinguish what are those identified significant relationship and
how would it be used to establish the outcome. This will lead to the proposition of an
intervention plan from the findings. This formulated proposed plan must be a positive
favourable implication that resolves the occupational risk factors of the garbage
Research Hypothesis
Definition of terms
The following terms were operationally defined to give the readers a better
and disposal.
Extent of risk is the degree by which the exposure of the garbage collectors into
28
Garbage includes different types of waste that the Naguenos have used and
cleanliness around the city and collects garbage and other solid waste.
and fungi.
29
Notes
Meeks, L., &Heit, P. Health Focus On You. (1990). United States: Merrill
Publishing Company.
Somerville, M., Kumaran K., & Anderson R. (2012) .Public Health and
Epidemiology at a Glance.John Wiley & Sons Publication.
30
CHAPTER 3
This chapter of the study describes the research method, subject of the study,
Research Design
The research design that was employed in this study is a descriptive type of
research. This was used to determine the extent of occupational risk experienced by
garbage collectors in Naga City in a given three aspects: physiological, psychological and
social
The research have also used the correlational type of research where it
established the relationship between the garbage collectors selected characteristics with
The main subject of the study had selected (51) garbage collectors in Naga City
using convenient sampling. These garbage collectors aged eighteen (18) to sixty five
(65) years old. Each of them having at least two (2) months period job as a garbage
collector
31
Instrumentation
The data-gathering tool that will be utilized in this study is a questionnaire form
socio-demographic information- name, age, sex, length of service and marital status.
Moreover, likert-scale type will be employed to assess the degree or how much the
respondents agreed or disagreed with the research prepared statement. The scale would
be one to four. Four will be an indicator for a very high result, three will indicate a high
result, two will indicate low and one is very low result.
The researcher made a formal letter to the solid waste management ofiice
permission to conduct a survey to the garbage collectors. Upon getting the permission,
the researcher distributed the survey questionnaire to the garbage collectors early in the
morning. The questionnaire was personally distributed by the researcher to the garbage
collectors so that the researcher will know more the garbage collectors. After the survey
Statistical Treatment
determining extent of risk. The relationships of the extent of risk with the profile
32
Pearson Correlation determines the relationship/correlation between extent of
risk (interval) with age (ratio) and length of service (ratio). Pearson is used to correlate
among the different categories of marital status (single, married and widow/separated)
and employment status (part-time, fulltime and probationary). Also this was applied in
determining differences on the extent of risk among the three areas: physiological,
psychological and social. ANOVA determines the significant differences of three or more
groups of data.
The software Simplified Statistics for Beginners (SSB) was used to obtain
33
NOTES
34
CHAPTER 4
This chapter presents the results and discussion of the data gathered in an effort
Table 1
16-25 12 15.50
26-35 18 64.05
36-45 15 17.45
46-55 7 1.92
56-65 4 1.08
Total 51 100.00
The average age of the respondents is 39 years of age. Half of the respondents
are aged below/above 38 years. Five of the respondents has modal/same of 44. The
35
oldest garbage collector is aged 60 and the youngest is aged 21. The Skewness is 0.25
According to Bunn-TL. Et al, (2011) when compared to 35-44 year old workers,
solid waste collectors who were under 35 years of age were less likely to have a
workers' compensation first report of injury or claim that resulted in awarded benefits.
The result proves that there is a low injury risk in the garbage collectors in the
age of 39. In this age they already know how to prevent getting an injury in their field
of work.
Table 2
Male 32 64.00
Female 19 36.00
Total 51 100.00
Table 2 shows that out of the 51 respondents, 64% of the respondents are male
36
Table 3
Attainment
Elementary 8 16.22
Highschool 22 42.35
Total 51 100.00
finish highschool, 16% are elementary graduate, 22% wasnt able to finish highschool,
43% are highschool graduate, 2 % was able to reach college but wasnt able to finish it,
Table 4
Single 7 14.50
Married 31 63.22
Widow 6 12.28
Separated 2 4.00
Total 51 100.00
37
in terms of marital status, 14 % are single, 62% are married, 12% are widow and 4%
are separated.
Table 5
Part-time 5 10.50
Fulltime 12 24.48
Provisional 29 56.02
Total 51 100.00
As shown in the table 5 it presents that only half of the garbage collectors are
provisional having 56.02% while the fulltime are only 24.48% and the part time are
10.50%.
Table 6
Length of Service
Mean 7.77 8
Median 5
Mode 1(8)
Maximum 35 years
Minimum 2mos
38
On the average, the respondents have been working as garbage collector for 8 years.
Half of the respondents have been working below/above 5 years. Eight of the 51
respondents have been working for 8 years. The longest length of service is almost 35
materials and foraging animals they may come across in the course of their duty. There
are countless ways to be injured on the job and all manner of toxic materials in the
trash that garbage men carry and transport every day. It is important to know what to
look out before beginning your days work. Lifting heavy objects repeatedly can result in
EXTENT OF RISK
below. The obtained weighted means are computed from three areas, that is, symptoms
Table 7
Skin
1. Caused by bacteria
Acne 2.63 1.37
Boils 2.71 1.46
Chalazion (kulatoy) 2.80 1.50
39
2. Caused by fungi
Dryness of the skin 2.00 1.41
Itchiness of the scalp 1.47 1.42
Itchiness of hands 1.51 1.33
Itchiness of groin 2.13 1.33
3. Caused by virus
Lip wounds 2.30 1.42
Warts 1.58 1.50
Skin rash 1.65 1.50
The obtained weighted under symptoms found in skin is grouped into three,
caused by bacteria, fungi and virus. Under bacteria, the average weighted mean for
experienced the said symptoms. The obtained degree of severity is 1.44 which
corresponds to mild. Under fungi and virus, both obtained an average weighted mean
experienced the said symptoms. Similarly for degree of severity both obtained weighted
A cumulative average weighted mean of 2.11 for frequency and 1.43 for degree
of severity were obtained under symptoms found in skin. This indicates that 26-50% of
the symptoms are experienced by the respondents and most cases are of mild degree
of severity. Most likely these are symptoms caused by bacteria. Moreover, it can be
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Table 8
RESPIRATORY
from 1.22 to 1.57 corresponding to never. At most 25% only of the respondents
experience these symptoms. Under degree of severity the rest of the symptoms
(clogged nose, colds, sore throat and dry cough) are mild ( 1.74) except for
moderate.
An average weighted mean of 1.42 for frequency and 1.57 for severity were
obtained. It implies that at most 25% of these symptoms are experienced by the
respondents. Ranking these symptoms, colds and swelling of trachea are the symptoms
that most of these symptoms are only mild. The results of the weighted means leads
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to the conclusion that respondents are at low risk to experience infections in their
respiratory system.
Table 9
Gastrointestinal
weighted means range from 1.13 to 1.60 under frequency corresponding to never. It
implies that at most 25% only of the respondents experienced the said symptoms.
The average weighted mean of 1.31 for frequency implies that at most 25% only
of the symptoms are experienced by the respondents. Ranking its weighted mean, it can
be seen that tooth decay is most likely the symptom experienced. Under degree of
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Table 10
Physiological
Frequency Severity
The table above shows the summary of the obtained weighted means computed. It shall
be noted that the average weighted mean obtained under frequency is 1.61
corresponding to never. This indicates that at most 25% only of all the symptoms
These symptoms are all described as mild as shown by the obtained average weighted
mean of 1.41.
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Table 11
Psychological
Statement:
I serve.
whenever at work.
life
stress.
because of my job.
44
I feel rejected by the persons who I love 1.38 12
the most
Under psychological area, the ratings obtained ranged from 1.38 to 3.14, very
low to high risk. The following indicators obtained a very low risk ratings :I feel
ashamed of my profession and I feel rejected by the persons who I love the most.
Almost none (0-25% ) of the respondents observe or agree on these. Several indicators
obtained a low risk ratings. These are : I do not enjoy my job, My work is being
belittled in the community I serve, I am unsatisfied with my job, I feel inferior, that
others are more capable and qualified than me and I am unsatisfied with my current
position in life. The ratings of low under these indicators means that 26-50% of the
risk. This means that 51-75% of the respondents experienced the indicators.
respondents are at low risk under psychological area. Only 26-50% of the indicators are
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Table 12
Social
collector.
of my job.
because of my job.
me because of my job.
I do.
and friends.
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Average Weighted Mean 2.22
Under social area, the obtained weighted means ranges from 2.00 to 2.62, low
to high risk ratings. Two among 8 indicators obtained high risk ratings. These are :My
remaining indicators obtained a rating of low risk which indicates that 26-50% of the
An average weighted mean of 2.22 under social area was obtained. This
indicates that respondents are at low risk under social area. Only 26-50% of the
Table 13
Physiological 1.98
Psychological 2.34
Social 2.22
An over-all weighted mean of 2.18 was obtained. This means that the
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extent of risk among the three areas. This means that the extent of risk is the same for
According to Swiss Journal of Psychology (2010) Verlag Hans Huber, the status
environmental stressors, has been widely discussed in the recent scientific literature.
Table 14
(very weak)
(weak)
(very weak)
The table above shows the relationship of extent of risk with the profile
variables. Statistical test reveals that there is very weak relationship between extent of
risk with gender (-0.04) and length of service (-0.06). However, the obtained
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correlations are not significant. A weak significant relationship (-0.34) exists between
extent of risk and age. A negative correlation indicates that the younger the worker, the
higher his/her risk; the older the worker, the lower is its risk.
Table 15
Extent of Risk
Employment Status
Part-time 1.86
Fulltime 2.52
Provisional 2.20
Marital Status
Single 2.25
Married 2.16
Widow/Separated 2.44
Educational Attainment
Elementary 2.31
Highschool 2.19
This table above shows that extent of risk according to other variables such as
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Table 16
The above table shows the relationship of extent of risk with employment status,
marital status and educational attainment. Among the three variables evaluated, only
employment status showed significant differences on its extent of risk. It shall be noted
that among the three categories (part time, fulltime and provisional) under this, full-time
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Name of Proposed Project: REINFORCEMENT OF THE PROPER USE OF
Objectives
1. To educate them specially those who are new for service about the risks of short
and long term complaints and amplify their knowledge about the proper use of
Personal protective gear so that they might prevent these occupational risk.
2. To help in the total abolishment of the said occupational risk that may hinder the
Naga City garbage collectors in doing their job efficiently and effectively.
Rationale:
to acquire different kind of diseases, and the first people who are highly at risk to this
are the garbage collectors. And it might cause a domino effect, if the garbage collectors
have acquired diseases they might easily infect other people around them. We need to
help them avoid this for the protection of them and the protection of us. This program
will help lessen the occupational risk the garbage collectors are in right now.
Program description:
will work together to put up a seminar regarding the proper use of Personal Protective
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The persons involve in this said program are the students in all levels of Medical
Technology department and the representative of Department of Health to help us. This
seminar will be composed of lectures, open forums, practical application from the invited
speakers to share their humble knowledge about this. It will specifically emphasize the
proper use of Personal Protective Gear because this is the best measure to prevent
these risks. As part of the program the respondents will be given pamphlets and Free
personal protective equipment. We have also included psychological games and talks
that will uplift their dignity as garbage collectors. The seminar will be wholesome.
Recommendations:
B. To the future researches: since, the findings of this research has showed that
the risk isnt that alarming and it contradicts the related studies we have, we
suggest they might consider looking for the other factors in other community
that has a very high extent of risk. And compare why the risk in Naga city is
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CHAPTER 5
maximum, minimum, skewness and standard deviation was used in the study to
describe the characteristics of the respondents. The data gathering instrument used was
a questionnaire with adjectival interpretation of the Likert Scale to determine the extent
and T- test were employed as the statistical tools in the study. The software Simplified
statistics for beginners was used to obtain necessary values or measures for data
analysis.
The respondents of the study were the garbage collectors in Naga City.
This chapter shows the specific problems, hypothesis, findings, conclusions, and
Problem no. 1
What are the respondents characteristics in terms of: Age, Sex, Educational
Findings
gathered using factual questionnaires on which the respondents fill out the
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On age, the data revealed that the average age of the respondents are 39 years
old. The others were aged below/above 39 years which constitutes 50% of the
respondents. It also shows that the majority were with the age of 44. Of the
respondents, the oldest garbage collector among collector among them is 60 years old
On sex, out of the 51 respondents, the data showed that the majority of the
garbage collectors were male and the remaining minority were female; 64% and 36%
respectively.
almost half constitutes the garbage collectors that were able to finish high school at
43%, 22% were not able to finish high school, 16% were able to finish elementary, 6%
were able to attain vocational courses, 4% were able to finish elementary and the
minority which makes up the 2% were the ones that didnt finish elementary education.
On marital status, the data revealed that the majority were married, followed by
single, widow and separated; quantitatively constitutes 65%, 14%, 12% and 4%
respectively. On employment status, more than half of the respondents were probational
57%, followed by full time and part time, 24% and 10% respectively.
On the length of service, it was found out that the average respondents were
working as garbage collectors for 8 years. The half of the respondents has been working
for more than or less than 5 years. 8 out of which has been working for 8 years.
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The longest service out of 51 has been working for almost 35 years and the
Conclusion
Most of the garbage collectors are 64% male and 36% are female with the age
bracket of 21-60 years old. The result showed that 50% of the garbage collector is 39
years old. Most of the garbage collectors are married. Most of the respondents were a
high school graduate with one who reach college but didnt graduate and 3 who attain
Problem No. 2
Findings
The following data regarding the extent of risk experienced by garbage collectors
in the physiological aspect reveal that two indicators show high risk, namely My job
negatively influences my personal health and I feel that I am not able to competently
such risk. One indicator, I feel that I have potentially acquired illnesses from my job,
revealed a low risk with a percentage of 26-50% and illnesses obtained from respiratory
and gastrointestinal sickness obtained a rating of very low, ranging from 0-25%.
Under the psychological aspect, two indicators show very low risk, namely I feel
ashamed of my profession and I feel rejected by the persons who I love the most
with a 0-25% experiencing this factor. Several indicators indicated low risk, namely I do
55
not enjoy my job, my work is being belittled in the community I serve, I am
unsatisfied with my job, I feel inferior, that others are more capable and qualified than
me, and I am unsatisfied with my current position in life with a 26-50% rating.
Overall only 26-50% of the indicators were observed by the respondents of the study.
Under the social aspect, two indicators, my job hinders me to do my hobbies and
recreational activities and My job prevents me from interacting with other people
outside of work revealed a 51-75% indication by the respondents of the study. The
remaining indicators revealed a low rating which was observed by 50% of the
respondents by the study. Overall, a range of only 26-50% of the indicators was
Problem No. 3
Hypotheses
Findings
Age and Employment status has a significant relationship with the extent of risk
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relationship between Gender, Length of Service, and Marital status to the extent of risk
Conclusion
In the correlation between extent of risk and the selected characteristics of the
respondents of the study, particularly in Age and Employment status that the
Length of Service, and Marital status but a significant relationship between the age of
the respondent to the extent of the risk that they have experience.
Problem No. 4
What intervention plan may be proposed as a result of the findings of the study?
Instruct and educate Naga city workers for garbage collecting who are new for
administration about the dangers of short and long haul dissensions and prevent
Convince the target, the garbage collectors in Naga City that they are at low risk
in their occupation and in order to further lower these risk in the psychological,
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To help in the total eradication of the occupational risk that may hinder the Naga
Educate the Naga city garbage collectors who are new for service about the risks
of short and long term complaints and prevent these occupational risks.
To ensure that the researchers study truly improves the lifestyles of the Naga
To encapsulate, Prevention and Awareness will help to further lower the extent
of risks of the Naga City garbage collectors that make them effective and
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Subject: Program to expand utilization of individual defensive hardware or
The researchers propose the implementation the program by the union of the
collectors.
INTRODUCTION
Nowadays our life is threatened by the different diseases and infections that we
can acquire from the society we live in. And the first hand people who are susceptible to
those diseases are the garbage collectors because of their workplace and they lack
proper education on how to prevent those diseases they might acquire and we do not
often observe advocacies on how to protect them. The common advocacies we can
associate to them is how to lessen the garbage but not on how to protect those whose
Education is one of the most effective ways to increase their knowledge on how
they will protect themselves. It will serve as their ultimate shield against the different
diseases they can acquire on their work field. We have an obligation to them, because if
it wasnt for us, they wont be facing this garbage. We put their lives at stake because of
what we dispose. It came from us. Thats why we have the moral obligation to help
them protect themselves. Proper knowledge is the key to a healthy life style.
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