Protecting the Protectors: Strengthening PPE Use Among Sanitation Workers

Sanitation workers form the backbone of healthy communities, yet their work often exposes them to significant health risks. From sweeping streets and cleaning drains to handling solid waste, clearing blockages, and managing desludging operations, the nature of their work varies widely—and so do the risks they face.

Recognizing this, Key Foundation undertook a focused effort to understand and strengthen the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) among sanitation workers.

A key starting point was assessing the PPE available in the market and identifying its relevance for different types of sanitation work. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, the initiative carefully differentiated PPE requirements based on roles—ensuring that sweeping workers, drainage cleaners, toilet maintenance staff, waste pickers, and desludging operators each had access to equipment suited to their specific needs. This helped bridge a critical gap between availability and usability.

However, access alone does not guarantee usage. Through a series of structured coaching sessions, Key Foundation worked closely with sanitation workers to build awareness on the importance of PPE and its role in safeguarding their health. Using participatory methods, real-life examples, and practical demonstrations, these sessions created space for workers to share their experiences, address concerns, and gradually build trust in using protective gear.

Over time, this approach has contributed to small but meaningful shifts in behaviour. Workers who were earlier hesitant or unaware are now more conscious of their safety and increasingly adopting PPE in their daily work. However, despite these encouraging steps, we recognise that there are still miles to go before ensuring a truly safe and dignified workplace for all sanitation workers. Sustained efforts, systemic support, and continued engagement are essential to build lasting change.