Exploring Safety Outcomes Among Sanitary Workers in Punjab, Pakistan

Sanitary work is the backbone of the municipal system. In Pakistan, it is performed manually, often under unhygienic conditions. As a result, workers are exposed to hazardous health and safety risks.

This study aimed to investigate the safety outcomes among sanitary workers in Punjab, Pakistan.

A qualitative research approach was used, employing focus group discussions (FGDs) for data collection. Two FGDs were conducted, involving a total of 19 sanitary workers and two managers from the Cantonment Board Taxila and the Lahore Waste Management Company.

Thematic analysis, conducted manually, revealed that while most sanitary workers reported minimal major injuries due to the consistent use of gloves and masks, they still experienced various minor health issues. These included skin allergies, burns, eye infections, respiratory infections, and minor cuts on the hands and other parts of the body. Additionally, participants highlighted significant psychological challenges, such as fear of chronic illness, stress, and depression, largely attributed to their demanding workloads.

The findings underscore the urgent need for improved occupational health policies in Pakistan to address the physical and mental health challenges faced by sanitary workers. The government should implement comprehensive health and safety regulations to enhance their well-being and mitigate the adverse health effects associated with their work.