Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
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Strategies for Protecting Waste Collectors' Health and Safety

환경미화원의 건강과 안전 보호를 위한 제안

  • Kim, Shin-bum (Wonjin Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health) ;
  • Ryu, Seung-Hun (Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University) ;
  • Park, Dong-Uk (Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University) ;
  • Lee, Yun-Keun (Wonjin Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health)
  • 김신범 (노동환경건강연구소) ;
  • 류승훈 (한국방송통신대학교 환경보건학과) ;
  • 박동욱 (한국방송통신대학교 환경보건학과) ;
  • 이윤근 (노동환경건강연구소)
  • Received : 2010.05.02
  • Accepted : 2010.06.23
  • Published : 2010.06.30
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Abstract

Recycling is a main issue in protection of the environment and waste collection and sorting have much higher value in current recycling policies than they did previously. Waste collectors, like firefighters and policemen, are working for the public benefit, however, waste collection is more dangerous than either police or firefighting work. In the USA, waste collectors are 10 times more likely than the average worker to die on the job. Waste collectors also suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, infectious diseases and various injuries. If we truly appreciate the worth of waste collectors, we need to improve their working environment and personal hygiene. Furthermore, abolishing discrimination will be a very important step towards greater protection for waste collectors.

Keywords

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