Table 3.
E-waste recycling injuries, activities, and use of personal protective equipment (N = 46 e-waste workers)
| 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 | – | – |
aDoes not add up to total number of injuries due to multiple sites harmed per event