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Table 3 E-waste recycling injuries, activities, and use of personal protective equipment (N = 46 e-waste workers)

From: Stress, health, noise exposures, and injuries among electronic waste recycling workers in Ghana

Variable

Category

Number

Percent

Mean

SD

Number of E-waste injuries in previous 6 months

 

43

94

9.9

9.6

Number of missed work days

 

18

39

10.7

9.0

Hospitalized for worst injury

 

3

7

–

–

Causes of E-waste related injuries

Burns

1

2

–

–

Caught in-between

2

4

–

–

Contact with sharp objects

20

44

–

–

Struck and hit

13

28

–

–

Other

3

7

–

–

Injury type

Cuts/lacerations/abrasions

30

65

–

–

Burns/scalds

2

4

–

–

Internal injury

3

7

–

–

Other

2

4

–

–

Body Part Injureda

Arm

2

4

–

–

Eyes

2

4

–

–

Foot (toes)

7

15

–

–

Hand(fingers)

21

46

–

–

Head

2

4

–

–

Leg (ankle, knee)

10

22

–

–

Activity at the time of Injury

Burning

1

2

–

–

Collecting

6

12

–

–

Dismantling

24

52

–

–

Loading/moving

10

22

–

–

Sorting

1

2

–

–

Multiple activities

2

4

–

–

PPE generally worn for job

Dust Mask

1

2

–

–

Eye protection

7

15

–

–

Foot Protection

36

78

–

–

Gloves

12

26

–

–

Hats

11

25

–

–

Pants

39

85

–

–

  1. aDoes not add up to total number of injuries due to multiple sites harmed per event