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Prevalence and Frequency of Non-Fatal Workplace Injuries Among Waste Recyclers at Buy-Back Centres in Johannesburg, South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

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  • Hlologelo Ramatsoma

    (Epidemiology and Surveillance Section, National Health Laboratory Service, National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa)

  • Melitah Motlhale

    (Epidemiology and Surveillance Section, National Health Laboratory Service, National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa)

  • Thulani Moiane

    (Epidemiology and Surveillance Section, National Health Laboratory Service, National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa)

  • Kerry Wilson

    (Epidemiology and Surveillance Section, National Health Laboratory Service, National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa)

  • Nisha Naicker

    (Epidemiology and Surveillance Section, National Health Laboratory Service, National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa
    School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa
    Department of Environmental Health, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa)

Abstract

Physical hazards are the most common source of health effects among waste recyclers, frequently leading to worker injuries. South Africa’s formal buy-back centres (BBCs) have emerged as key nodes in the recycling chain, yet the burden of non-fatal workplace injuries among BBC recyclers is not characterised. We conducted a cross-sectional study at ten BBCs in Johannesburg, enrolling 160 waste recyclers (median age 32 years; 55.6% female). A structured, interviewer-led questionnaire captured workers’ characteristics and self-reported injuries in the past six months. Robust Poisson regression was fitted to determine associations with frequent workplace injury. Overall, 69.4% of participants reported at least one injury. Cuts and lacerations (67.6%) and sprains or muscle strains (39.6%) predominated. Each additional year of age raised the risk of frequent workplace injury by 1% (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.01; 95% CI 1.00–1.02), each extra hour worked per day by 22% (aRR 1.22; 95% CI 1.04–1.42), and presence of hearing or vision problems by 45% (aRR 1.45; 95% CI 1.14–1.83). Targeted interventions—such as work hour regulation, sensory-friendly accommodations, and comprehensive, fit-focused PPE programs—are needed to reduce injury risk in this vulnerable workforce.

Suggested Citation

  • Hlologelo Ramatsoma & Melitah Motlhale & Thulani Moiane & Kerry Wilson & Nisha Naicker, 2025. "Prevalence and Frequency of Non-Fatal Workplace Injuries Among Waste Recyclers at Buy-Back Centres in Johannesburg, South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(9), pages 1-10, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:9:p:1348-:d:1736549
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jacoba Viljoen & Derick Blaauw & Catherina Schenck, 2019. "The opportunities and value-adding activities of buy-back centres in South Africa's recycling industry: A value chain analysis," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 34(3), pages 294-315, May.
    2. Nonhlanhla Tlotleng & Tahira Kootbodien & Kerry Wilson & Felix Made & Angela Mathee & Vusi Ntlebi & Spo Kgalamono & Moses Mokone & Karen Du Preez & Nisha Naicker, 2019. "Prevalence of Respiratory Health Symptoms among Landfill Waste Recyclers in the City of Johannesburg, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-9, November.
    3. Linda Godfrey & Suzan Oelofse, 2017. "Historical Review of Waste Management and Recycling in South Africa," Resources, MDPI, vol. 6(4), pages 1-11, October.
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