Prioritisation of mitigation strategies to overcome the health and safety risks associated with e-waste recycling workers in Sri Lanka

Abstract

E-waste poses a significant challenge in Sri Lanka, as in many other nations, due to its high concentration of hazardous materials and its health and environmental effects. This study aims to identify the health and safety risks and develop effective mitigation strategies. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the e-waste recycling process and health and safety risks associated with e-waste recycling. A mixed-methods research approach was adopted in three phases. First, expert interviews were conducted with managerial-level personnel in e-waste recycling plants to assess the local relevance of health and safety risks identified in the literature. Second, a questionnaire survey was carried out to evaluate the probability and impact of these risks. Third, a second round of expert interviews was held with health and safety professionals to identify feasible mitigation strategies to overcome the health and safety risks. The identified mitigation strategies were prioritised using the Risk Priority Number (RPN), calculated by multiplying severity and occurrence scores. The study identified several mitigation strategies, including providing employee training, providing safe work procedures, installing a local exhaust system, installing a proper filtration system, providing lifting equipment, and regular maintenance of machines etc. According to the prioritasation, providing safe work procedures was prioratised as the most effective mitigation strategy. The study contributes actionable insights for enhancing occupational health and safety in Sri Lanka’s e-waste recycling sector.