Occupational Risks among the Municipal Solid Waste Collectors in Khartoum Locality

: A solid waste collection workers is a group of workers known as garbage collectors responsible for collecting garbage to the final disposal point or recycling. They are exposed to many risks while they are collecting waste such as bad odors, sharp materials, dust, harsh flies and they get dirty easily even when they using protective clothing. Objectives: The aim of this study to assess the occupational hazard and risk among solid waste collection workers and to determine the prevention methods for these possible hazards and risks. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Khartoum locality among 280 solid waste collection workers, 2017. Multistage sampling technique methods were performed. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire and observation checklists and analyzed by using SPSS version 16. Results: The study revealed that 76% of workers were not educated While, 67.1% injured at work. All workers (100%) were not had been subjected to the pre and periodic medical examination, did not have the personal protective equipment, not vaccinated against tetanus, HBV and HCV, and not trained in health practices and the safe handling of the waste. The study found statistically significant between lack of training on the safe handling of the waste and being injuries and accidents (p. value<0.05). Conclusion: Solid waste collection workers are more at risk during their work. However, they do not have the lowest levels of protection to perform their duties without risk. Therefore, all workers should be subjected to the pre and periodic medical examination, raise awareness, and provide training and personal protective equipment.