Health Insecurity and Occupational Risk Factors Among Urban Waste Collectors in Dhaka City, Bangladesh: A...

Urban waste collectors play an essential role in maintaining urban sanitation, yet they remain one of the most occupationally vulnerable groups in rapidly urbanizing cities in low- and middle-income countries. In Bangladesh, evidence on their occupational health insecurity and access to healthcare services remains limited. This study aimed to assess health insecurity among urban waste collectors in Dhaka City by examining occupational exposures, safety practices, health outcomes, and access to healthcare services.

A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in 2025 among 40 urban waste collectors working under Dhaka North and Dhaka South City Corporations. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews with waste collectors. Descriptive statistics, χ ² tests, Pearson's correlation, and exploratory multiple linear regression were used to examine associations between occupational factors and the Health Insecurity Index.

Work-related health problems were highly prevalent among the respondents. Respiratory disease was reported by 35/40 respondents (87.5%), skin infections were reported by 30/40 respondents (75.0%), allergic conditions by 25/40 (62.5%), and work-related injuries by 10/40 (25.0%). Longer working hours were associated with higher health insecurity (r = 0.58, p < 0.001). Only 12/40 workers (30.0%) reported using personal protective equipment (PPE), which was associated with lower health insecurity (β = -0.38, p = 0.001). Occupational safety training was reported by 9/40 workers (22.5%) and was also associated with lower health insecurity (β = -0.29, p = 0.03). Only 5/40 respondents (12.5%) reported access to institutional healthcare services, and none reported financial support.

Urban waste collectors in Dhaka City appear to experience considerable health insecurity that may be associated with modifiable occupational and institutional factors. Strengthening occupational health and safety systems, ensuring access to PPE and training, regulating working hours, and expanding healthcare access are important for protecting this essential workforce and supporting sustainable urban waste management.