Self-reported fatigue and health complaints of refuse collectors

Working as a refuse collector is a physically strenuous activity. The aim of the investigations in this work was to evaluate the fatigue and subjective complaints of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among refuse collectors. The study involved 27 employees; average age: 32.1 years (SD = 3.15), seniority: 2.67 years (SD = 1.56). To evaluate fatigue a modified 30-piece questionnaire with a Borg scale was used. MSDs were measured by the Nordic Standardized Questionnaire with the Borg scale. After work, the highest rates of fatigue were reported for the symptoms: “feel thirsty,” “give a yawn,” “want to lie down,” “feel strained in the eyes,” “feel a pain in the back,” “become drowsy,” “feel stiff in the shoulders,” “feel heavy in the head” and “have a headache.” There was a high intensity of MSDs reported for the body segments “shoulders/upper arms,” “lower back,” “upper back,” “hips/upper legs,” “head/neck,” “elbows/forearms” and “wrists/hands.” Complaints regarding limited mobility due to MSDs at work and outside of work have been observed for the “shoulders/upper arms,” “lower back” and “upper back.” Refuse collectors complained more about “drowsiness and dullness” than the “projection of physical impairment” and “difficulty in concentration.” Discomfort occurred primarily in the upper segments of the body and made staff mobility difficult both at work and after work. The test results can be used in the prevention of fatigue and discomfort. It is recommended to conduct training on the correct ways of performing work and resting and the repair or replacement of faulty containers.