The main aim of this project is to minimise the waste pickers’ exposure to workplace issues and increase safety. The objective of the project is to understand the workplace safety and health challenges faced by waste handlers, and subsequently, address their needs through interventions in Design or Process change.
Using various data collection methods, the prominent issues were identified. Further, a thorough analysis was performed, in order to categorize and identify the gaps in the existing PPE tools. The whole process is documented as a report.
Design and Development of Tools
For the next stage of the Project, Hasiru Dala partnered with Foley Designs for the design and development of the PPE tools. The insights and findings from the research conducted to understand the gaps were shared with the Foley Team. Foley Designs developed the first draft of the Design ideation.
Consultation with waste pickers on the final list of needs and tools
To get the design inputs from the waste pickers, a group discussion meeting was arranged. The meeting was really insightful in getting the emic perspective of the design of PPEs from the waste pickers. Each PPE kit was presented to receive the comments and concerns of the waste pickers from different perspectives ranging from the material to the functionality of the tool. The key points from the meeting are:
- Wet waste shoes are heavy
- The length of the band should be short so that the rotations are less
- The length of the wet waste gloves should be below the elbows; prefer buttons instead of strings
- Women want a half-sleeved coat
- Bags design is not feasible
- Pourakarmikas had concerns about the usage of handles on the brooms because they all hold brooms in both their hands to increase efficacy and save time
All this information was carefully noted down, to incorporate into the design of the PPE tools.
PPE Interventions
After the discussion with the waste pickers and incorporating their inputs, the following PPE tools are decided for manufacturing:
- Gum Boots
- Overshoe
- Cut Proof Gloves for Dry waste
- Rubber Gloves for wet waste
- Safety Overcoat
- Safety Belt
- Broom
The project is currently at the Final Stage of manufacturing the PPE tools and aims to start distribution in the Month of December.