Medical solid waste management status in Zimbabwe.

In Zimbabwe, management of medical solid waste is emerging as a visible dilemma. This is attributed to population explosion as well as outbreak of diseases and spread of already existing diseases which accelerate volume of medical solid waste generated by medical facilities. Consequently, the overarching objective of this paper was to review medical solid waste management status in Zimbabwe utilising published documents. The literature demonstrated that medical solid waste generated in Zimbabwe encompasses pathological, pharmaceutical, chemical, infectious, cytotoxic, sharps and general waste. Management approaches used by medical facilities are marred with inappropriateness as shown by storage, collection, conveyance and disposal of non-segregated waste. Verdicts of the study depict that open pit dumping, landfills, incineration, burying, open burning, ottoway pits and open dumpsites are discarding strategies used. However, these strategies pose water, air and soil pollution, therefore, impacting the ecosystem and humanity. Findings indicated that infectious diseases, respiratory diseases, gastro-intestinal problems and injuries emanate due to poor management of medical waste. The roots of unsafe management of medical solid waste include inadequate finance, weak enforcement of legislation, ignorance among health workers and waste workers as well as non-participatory approach in decision making. Zimbabwe is recommended to direct funds to medical solid waste, increase awareness of health workers through trainings and education and reinforcing enforcement of legislation linked to medical solid waste among others.

A global review of implementation of occupational safety and health management systems for the period 1970-2020.

Objectives. Global awareness on occupational safety and health management systems (OSHMSs) has increased exponentially with time over the years. Evidence in the public domain shows there is still much skepticism and reluctance in implementing OSHMSs, particularly in least developed and developing countries. The primary objective of this theoretical review was to analyze available evidence of research gaps on OSHMS implementation globally over the period 1970-2020. Methods. The review adopted a descriptive mixed-methods design premised on its ability to provide a platform for data triangulation that is paramount in enhancing the authenticity of the review findings. Results. Many studies conducted on implementation of OSHMSs were bereft of examining the challenges of OSHMS implementation. The review further exposed some OSHMS implementation disparities existing between the developed and the developing world, hence a conclusion can be drawn that a 'one size fits all approach' to OSHMS implementation may not ideal for many workplaces. Conclusion. This review recommends contextualization of OSHMS implementation taking into consideration other differing environmental factors. Ultimately, propagation of further research will exude the challenges associated with implementation of OSHMSs and their causal factors, thereby providing the basis for establishment of problem-driven solutions to increase uptake of OSHMS in workplaces.