Hazard pay for garbage collectors pushed

MANILA, Philippines — An environment and health watchdog has urged lawmakers to include waste workers among those who would be entitled to get hazard pay due to the risks they face in their jobs.

Ecowaste Coalition said garbage collectors and handlers should be provided with ample protection against possible exposure to infectious materials.

Jove Benosa, the group’s zero waste campaigner, said they could be exposed to diseases, since potentially infectious waste, such as used face masks and tissues, are often thrown alongside nonhazardous household waste.

These workers, however, perform their duties even without protective equipment like safety gloves and face masks.

—Jhesset O. Enano