Volume : 11, Issue : 10, OCT 2025

SANITATION WORKERS: A CALL FOR DIGNITY AND SAFETY

VISHAL. S. CHAVARE

Abstract

An estimated 1.2 million scavengers in the country are involved in the sanitation of our surroundings. The working conditions of these sanitary workers have remained virtually unchanged for over a country. Apart from the social atrocities that these workers face, they are exposed to certain health problems by virtue of their occupation. These health hazards include exposure to harmful gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide, cardiovascular, degeneration, musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis changes and intervertebral disc herniation, infection like hepatitis, leptospirosis, and helicobacter, skin problems, respiratory system problems and altered pulmonary function parameters. This can be prevented through engineering medical and legislative measures. While the engineering measures will help in protecting against exposures, the medical measures will help in early detection of the effect of these exposures. This can be partly achieved by developing an effective occupational health service for this group of workers. Also, regular awareness programs should be conducted to import education regarding safer work procedures and use of personal protective devices.

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IESRJ

International Educational Scientific Research Journal

E-ISSN: 2455-295X

International Indexed Journal | Multi-Disciplinary Refereed Research Journal

ISSN: 2455-295X

Peer-Reviewed Journal - Equivalent to UGC Approved Journal

Peer-Reviewed Journal

Article No : 6

Number of Downloads : 15

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