A rapid study on the challenges facing sanitation workers in Indian cities and towns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Title | Health, safety and social security challenges of sanitation workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in India |
Publication Type | Research Report |
Year of Publication | 2020 |
Authors | Singh, K, Somani, P |
Pagination | 28 p. : 10 fig., 4 tab. |
Date Published | 09/2020 |
Publisher | Urban Management Centre and WaterAid India |
Place Published | New Delhi, India |
Publication Language | English |
Abstract | While sanitation workers already face several health and safety risks, financial challenges and stigma due to the nature of their work and caste-based discrimination, the COVID-19 pandemic has further added to their challenges and vulnerabilities. The Urban Management Centre and WaterAid India jointly conducted a rapid assessment to understand the health, safety and social security challenges faced by sanitation workers in cities/towns across India during the COVID-19 pandemic. This involved telephonic and face-to-face interviews of 95 sanitation workers and 12 urban local body (ULB) officials from 18 cities/towns across 9 States/Union Territories (UTs) of India, conducted between 26 May and 8 June 2020. In addition, a secondary review of government guidelines and advisories, and media reports was undertaken. Nine different categories of sanitation work were covered: domestic waste collection, street sweeping, cleaning at hospitals/quarantine centres, desludging of sewers/septic tanks and faecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP) operations, drain cleaning, cleaning of community/public/institutional toilets, waste/ rag picking, waste collection at hospitals/quarantine centres, and dry latrine cleaning. This report presents findings on the awareness of COVID-19 preventive measures; use of personal protective equipment; hand hygiene practices; medical examination/ testing: impact on working conditions; livelihood and financial implications; insurance coverage; additional challenges faced by female sanitation workers; and COVID-19 related support measures by various agencies. Key recommendations are provided for immediate health and safety measures in the COVID-19 context; social and financial protection measure; and long-term systemic measures. |
Notes | Includes 7 ref. |
URL | https://www.wateraidindia.in/publications/health-safety-and-social-security-challenges-of-sanitation-workers-during-the-covid-19 |
Citation Key | 87224 |