Sanitation and waste workers in Bangladesh are generally marginalised, living in congested colonies, slums or informal settlements with limited access to basic services. Lower caste and religious minorities are more likely to engage in collecting garbage and cleaning toilets, emptying pits and septic tanks, often face social exclusion and rampant discrimination. These workers face a greater risk of infection, injury and death, and hardly have insurance coverage or access to health services. Given the nature of their work and living conditions, the waste workers are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 as they are exposed to a large population and little possible to maintain physical distancing than other occupations. In the overwhelming demands during the pandemic, it is important that waste worker’s rights to health, safety and dignity should not be overlooked and their voice gets heard.
WaterAid (2020). Risk and vulnerability of sanitation and waste workers during COVID-19 pandemic WaterAid
Urban (entire city)EnglishImport to Sanitation Workers PlatformHealth & SafetyHealth & Safety
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