Occupational Health and Safety Hazards Among Informal Waste Pickers and Recyclers in Addis Ababa: An Original Investigation

This study investigates the occupational health and safety hazards faced by informal waste pickers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, addressing a critical gap in literature on this vulnerable workforce within the African context. A cross-sectional, convergent mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from a stratified random sample of 422 waste pickers across five sites using structured questionnaires and clinical assessments. Concurrently, 32 in-depth interviews and five focus group discussions explored lived experiences and risk perceptions. Quantitative analysis, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, revealed a high prevalence of occupational morbidity. Within a 12-month recall period, 87% reported at least one work-related injury, primarily lacerations (65%) and musculoskeletal disorders (58%). Respiratory symptoms indicative of chronic exposure were reported by 74% (p<0.01). Qualitative thematic analysis identified pervasive risks from hazardous waste, traffic accidents, and profound social stigma, exacerbated by negligible access to personal protective equipment or formal healthcare. The integration of datasets confirms that the severe, multi-faceted health burden is directly attributable to informal working conditions. The study concludes with an urgent call for evidence-based, inclusive public health policy. It advocates for targeted interventions—including the provision of safety equipment, basic occupational health services, and social recognition—to integrate waste pickers into formal occupational safety frameworks, acknowledging their essential role in urban sustainability and the circular economy.