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While more than 9,400 tons of waste are piling up in the streets of Paris, what occupational risks are garbage collectors exposed to and how can they be better protected on a daily basis? Dr. Bensefa-Colas, specialist in occupational and environmental pathologies, answers us.
Falls, back and joint pain, traffic accidents, exposure to chemicals… Waste collection exposes employees to many risks. Among them are bacterial diseases transmitted to humans by rats, such as leptospirosis. Explanations.
Fever, cough and difficulty breathing
The days of garbage collectors are not easy: repetitive movements at a sustained pace, carrying heavy loads, handling dangerous products or exposure to harmful dust have a lasting impact on their health.
But while workplace accidents, falls, and musculoskeletal disorders are fairly well documented, “few data exist on the biological risk“, relates the expert. And yet: it is indeed present.
“It is easy to be infected by the urine of contaminated small rodents via the soiling of a wound, dirty hands in the mouth…”, admits the specialist. “And since we don’t know which microbiological agent may be present in this or that bin, anything is possible. Any droppings can lead to waste contamination and then human infection“, warns Dr. Bensefa-Colas.
Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease nicknamed “rat disease”, can be particularly dangerous for humans.
The bacterium, which penetrates the body through damaged skin or mucous membranes, can reach different organs (liver, lungs, brain, kidneys, etc.).
“Unfortunately, again, this risk is poorly documented. There are very few recommendations in the face of this disease apart from the basic rules of hygiene: taking a shower, washing your hands, not putting your hands in your mouth… and wearing specific protective clothing.“, says the specialist.
On the other hand, if the preventive aspect fails, “any infectious or respiratory symptom should lead to consultation“. A cough, punctuated by activity, or abnormal shortness of breath must lead the employee to see the doctor.
“The proliferation of micro-organisms must be limited as much as possible”
Faced with this real public health challenge represented by bacterial diseases, Dr. Bensefa-Colas recommends adopting a few common sense rules.
“To limit the proliferation of microorganisms in the waste, more regular collection of the latter must be considered – both to protect the health of the garbage collectors but also that of the population. Then, the use of closed containers with a wide opening should be favored to facilitate the dumping of waste. Finally, any degraded container must be changed“, concludes Dr. Bensefa-Colas.