Undergraduate thesis.

Medical vulnerability poses a heightened risk for each and every person especially when they're experiencing poor health status related to chronic or acute health conditions, limited access to health care, ineffective/insufficient precautionionary measures, and socioeconomic status. This research paper aims to address and give awareness for the employed medically vulnerable garbage collectors who work tirelessly day and night. In this study, the researchers utilized a qualitative method focusing on the phenomenological approach to understand the unique lived experiences of each participant. This methodology was chosen to provide a deeper understanding of the participants{92} personal narratives, challenges, and coping mechanisms as they navigate their daily routines amid health and safety threats. The result suggests that each participant faces different types of occupational health hazards{97}daily. These hazards include, but are not limited to, puncture wounds from sharp objects, cuts, abrasions, slips and falls due to unstable walking surfaces or inclement weather, and even life-threatening vehicular accidents encountered while performing roadside waste collection duties. Each participant has their own ways of addressing each injury, however, these coping strategies{97}while innovative and resourceful{97}were often based on individual perceptions rather than informed medical guidance, highlighting a gap in health education and safety training. An important aspect of the study centered on the usage and perception of personal protective equipment (PPE). The research found that while most participants were aware of the protective function of PPE, a majority admitted to noncompliance in its usage. The result showed that majority of them were noncompliant but aware of its purpose. Only a few of them wore minimal PPE stating that the heat was unbearable, wearing it was uncomfortable particularly whenever the weather is hot and humid, and restricts their mobility.