INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF INDUSTRIAL WASTE MANAGEMENT ON WORKERS HEALTH IN SELECTED INDUSTRIES IN DOUALA, CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Waste generation is an inherent mechanism in all organisms. Human activities and processes follow a cyclical pattern that produces trash of different magnitudes. Within an urban context or municipality, the production, conversion, and consumption of materials and substances result in the generation of trash. Within this particular framework, the garbage produced is commonly known as Municipal Solid garbage (MSW) (Olawuyi et al., 2022). Industrial waste management is a significant problem affecting industries in Cameroon. As a result, occupational health and safety practices are not as advanced as in more industrialized civilizations. A significant number of enterprises in Cameroon frequently release their wastewater into surface bodies of water (such as oceans, seas, and streams) without undergoing any type of remediation or treatment (Agagu, 2019).

The World Health Organization (2019) has defined trash as an item that the owner no longer desires at a specific moment and location, and that has no current or perceived market worth. According to Ndume (2017), waste is defined as any residual material or undesirable byproduct that results from a process or activity (Agagu, 2019). According to the IFC (2017), an environmental and industrial context of waste refers to any solid, liquid, or contained gaseous materials that are discarded through disposal, recycling, burning, or incineration. These materials may be a by-product of a manufacturing process or an obsolete commercial product that can no longer be used for its intended purpose and needs to be disposed of (IFC, 2017).

Industrial waste encompasses liquid waste water or effluents, gaseous emissions, and solid waste. Although gaseous emissions are a significant concern, liquid waste and effluents have a more severe and immediate impact on the health of workers (Garcia et al., 2023). Industrial wastes are inherently dangerous and, as the name suggests, have the potential to harm human health and the environment if not managed correctly. Toxic waste pollutes the earth, water, and air. The contamination of these three essential elements crucial to human existence undeniably establishes a fragile and harmful connection that hinders sustainable progress and advancement. The health effects encompass exposure to hazardous substances through the mediums of air, water, and soil; exposure to infectious agents and biological pollutants; stress caused by unpleasant odors, noise, pests, and visual disturbances; the risk of fires, explosions, and ground sinking; as well as incidents involving spills, accidents, and emissions from transportation (Xian, 2018).

Employees are unquestionably subjected to a diverse range of risks of different levels of severity, based on the precise tasks of their profession. For example, a miner may put his life at risk by being subjected to high temperatures, unstable lighting conditions, and air with low oxygen levels. Similarly, an industrial worker in an asbestos plant may be exposed to harmful air pollutants such as toluene and benzene (Olawuyi et al., 2022). Approximately 2 million working hours are lost due to job-related illness, while an additional 2 million individuals report suffering from illnesses they attribute to their employment (Armstrong et al., 2021). Industrial pollution has a direct impact on health due to the release of harmful substances by the industry. Exceeding a certain threshold, these substances have detrimental impacts on human health. The effects manifest in several organs such as the heart, blood, kidneys, reproductive organs, lungs, and liver, among others (Ndiaye et al., 2020). 

Effective management of industrial waste is crucial for ensuring workplace safety and preserving environmental integrity, especially in quickly industrializing urban areas such as Douala, Cameroon. As industries grow, the amount of waste they produce also increases, which includes dangerous substances that can have serious negative effects on the health of workers if not handled correctly (Nkwocha, 2018). Improper disposal and handling of industrial waste can result in several health complications, including respiratory ailments, dermatological disorders, and more serious consequences including chronic diseases and malignancies (Pat-Mbano, 2020). Workers face substantial health hazards due to industrial waste, which consists of dangerous chemicals, heavy metals, and other harmful substances. Research has demonstrated that insufficient control of industrial waste can result in the exposure to hazardous compounds, which can cause various health problems such as respiratory ailments, skin illnesses, and neurological conditions (Rasmussen et al., 2020; Zhang & Zhang, 2019). Improper waste disposal can result in the contamination of air and water sources, hence worsening health hazards for workers (Muller et al., 2018).

Douala, being the primary economic center of Cameroon, hosts a wide array of sectors, encompassing manufacturing, textiles, and chemical processing (Nguyen et al., 2021). These businesses produce significant quantities of garbage, and the efficiency of waste management procedures in this setting is a specific challenge. Studies suggest that waste management procedures in underdeveloped nations, particularly Cameroon, frequently encounter obstacles such as insufficient infrastructure, weak enforcement of regulations, and limited resources (Akinbami et al., 2022; Boateng & Kuitunen, 2017). Workers in industrial sectors in Douala are regularly exposed to dangerous waste materials. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the health effects of industrial waste management in this area. Prior studies have identified deficiencies in waste management procedures and their direct association with the health consequences experienced by workers (Osei et al., 2019). Poor waste management can result in increased concentrations of particulate matter and hazardous emissions, which have been linked to respiratory ailments and cardiovascular disorders (Kumar et al., 2021; Singh et al., 2017). This study aims to examine the impact of industrial waste on the health of workers in certain industries located in Douala, Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Industrial activities produce substantial quantities of trash, which, if not well controlled, can have profound repercussions on both the environment and human well-being. The rapid growth of industrial operations in Douala, Cameroon has resulted in a significant increase in trash generation. This has raised concerns regarding the efficiency of waste management procedures and their potential impact on the health of workers. Although proper waste management plays a crucial role in protecting health, there is a significant dearth of detailed study on this matter specifically in the context of Douala.

The swift industrialization of Douala, Cameroon, has yielded substantial economic advantages, although it has concurrently presented intricate environmental hurdles, namely in the domain of industrial waste management. The escalating quantity of trash produced by enterprises, including perilous substances, presents significant health hazards to individuals who frequently labour in close proximity to these pollutants. Ineffective management practices, such as insufficient segregation of waste, poor disposal methods, and absence of protective measures, worsen these hazards, resulting in various occupational health problems (Nwachukwu, 2013). Research indicates that inadequate handling of industrial waste might result in the exposure to dangerous substances such as heavy metals, toxic compounds, and particulate matter (Muller et al., 2018; Zhang & Zhang, 2019). Employees in sectors with insufficient waste management infrastructure face a higher likelihood of experiencing health issues such as respiratory ailments, skin disorders, and neurological disorders (Rasmussen et al., 2020; Singh et al., 2017). The deposition of trash and the emission of pollutants into the environment worsen these health hazards, resulting in persistent health problems among workers (Kumar et al., 2021).

Although there are regulations in place to regulate industrial waste, the enforcement and compliance with these norms are variable. In Douala, numerous enterprises operate with inadequate waste management techniques, which expose workers to hazardous compounds. These substances can have both immediate and long-term health effects, including respiratory ailments, skin disorders, and even cancer (Nguyen et al., 2021). In addition, the absence of knowledge and instruction on the proper management and elimination of industrial waste exacerbates the susceptibility of workers (Ngwuluka, Ochekpe, & Odumosu, 2020).

The issue is exacerbated by the scarcity of study and data regarding the precise health consequences of workers in Douala being exposed to industrial waste. The lack of understanding in this area obstructs the progress of specific measures and strategies that could reduce these dangers and enhance the quality of working environments. Consequently, it is imperative to examine the impact of industrial waste management methods on the well-being of employees in specific sectors in Douala, Cameroon. The objective is to pinpoint the underlying reasons of these health problems and suggest practical remedies for enhancement. Therefore, the necessity for this investigation arises.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically investigate the effect of industrial waste management on workers' health in selected industries in Douala, Cameroon. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To evaluate the impact of industrial waste management in improving workers' health in selected Industry in Douala

To assess the effect of Industrial waste management in mitigating respiratory diseases among workers in selected industry in Douala.

To assess the effect of industrial waste management in mitigating skin diseases among workers in selected industry in Douala.

To examine the effect of industrial waste management on workers' mental health

To proffer recommendations for improving industrial waste management practices to enhance worker health and safety

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

What is the impact of industrial waste management in improving workers' health in selected industries in Douala?

What is the effect of industrial waste management in mitigating respiratory diseases among workers in selected industries in Douala?

What is the effect of industrial waste management in mitigating skin diseases among workers in selected industries in Douala?

What is effect of industrial waste management on workers' mental health?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: Industrial Waste Management does not improve worker’s health in Douala, Cameroon.

Ha: Industrial Waste Management improves worker’s health in Douala, Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the study

The study is important because it tackles crucial matters including worker health, the effectiveness of regulations, sustainable practices, and public awareness. The objective is to generate a favorable influence on the well-being of employees and the general industrial setting in Douala, Cameroon.

The study aims to establish a correlation between industrial waste management methods and the health of workers. It will specifically identify the health hazards that are linked to insufficient waste management. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these hazards is of utmost importance in order to formulate precise health interventions and implement effective safety measures to safeguard workers from potential harm caused by exposure to dangerous substances. The study's findings will aid in formulating methods to alleviate health hazards, therefore enhancing the general health and well-being of employees in Douala's industrial sector.

Moreover, the study's results will offer useful information to policy makers and regulatory organizations regarding the efficacy of existing waste management policies and their influence on the health of workers. This data can provide valuable insights for the formulation of more efficient laws and regulations aimed at improving industrial waste management practices. The study's recommendations can enhance the enforcement of current regulations and introduce new standards to promote more secure waste management procedures.

Additionally, the study will enhance the promotion of optimal waste management techniques by emphasizing the connection between these practices and health outcomes. This can result in the adoption of more sustainable industrial practices aimed at minimizing environmental and health repercussions. The study has the potential to motivate enterprises to embrace cutting-edge waste management technology and practices that minimize the production of dangerous trash and enhance worker safety.

Moreover, the study aims to enhance knowledge on the health hazards linked to industrial waste among workers, employers, and the general public. This can result in heightened lobbying for enhanced waste management techniques and heightened pressure on industries and authorities to prioritize the health of workers. The study will present a persuasive argument for change by documenting the adverse health effects of inadequate waste management. This will motivate industries and stakeholders to implement measures to enhance waste management practices and safeguard workers.

In addition, employees who are in better health exhibit higher levels of productivity and are less prone to absenteeism caused by illness. The study's focus on enhancing waste management and mitigating health hazards can lead to heightened productivity and economic advantages for industries in Douala. Enhanced waste management protocols and enhanced worker well-being are crucial in fostering an improved standard of living for workers and their families, hence bolstering wider social and economic development objectives.

Additionally, the study will emphasize areas that require additional investigation, such as the unique health consequences linked to distinct forms of industrial waste or the efficacy of different waste management methods. This can provide guidance for future research endeavors and contribute to a more comprehensive comprehension of industrial waste management and its impact on health. The discoveries will contribute to the existing knowledge on the management of industrial waste in the context of a developing nation, offering a perspective specific to the local area that may be utilized to tackle comparable problems in other geographical areas.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically Investigate the effect of industrial waste management on workers' health in selected industries in Cameroon. specifically, this study seeks to evaluate the impact of industrial waste management in improving workers' health in selected industries in Cameroon, assess the effect of industrial waste management in mitigating respiratory diseases among workers in selected industries in Cameroon and assess the effect of industrial waste management in mitigating skin diseases among workers in selected industries in Cameroon. 

Further, this study will focus on examining the effect of Industrial Waste Management on Workers' mental health in Cameroon and it also seeks to develop recommendations for improving industrial waste management practices to enhance worker health and safety in Cameroon.

 The study is carried out in Douala, Cameroon. 

1.8 Limitations of the study

During the examination, the researchers observed specific limitations that are intrinsic to all human actions. The primary constraint was the dearth of comprehensive literature on the topic, stemming from the paucity of data Investigating the Effect of Industrial Waste Management on Workers' Health in Selected Industries in Douala, Cameroon. Hence, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to ascertain the suitable materials, books, or information and collect data. 

Moreover, this study is limited by its limited sample size and restricted geographic range, predominantly centered on Douala, Cameroon. Hence, the ability to apply the findings of this study to a broader context is limited, emphasizing the necessity for further investigation. 

Furthermore, the researcher's shortcomings were mostly attributed to financial restraints, as they are a student who lacks the necessary financial resources to support themselves. The excessively high transportation fees at the study site presented a difficulty in fulfilling the financial responsibilities associated with transportation costs.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to carry out this study while concurrently meeting the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational activities.

1.9 Definition of terms

Industrial waste: Industrial waste is defined as waste generated by manufacturing or industrial processes. The types of industrial waste generated include cafeteria garbage, dirt and gravel, masonry and concrete, scrap metals, trash, oil, solvents, chemicals, weed grass and trees, wood and scrap lumber, and similar wastes.

Industrial waste management: Industrial waste management involves collecting, transporting, treating, and disposing of an organization's industrial waste. This includes everything from contaminated soil and dry pesticides all the way to chemical waste.