Review of studies on occupational diseases and personal protective equipment of sewer workers

The awareness of sewer workers, who play an active role in maintaining national and international water and sewage services, needs to be increased. In this study, articles and theses on occupational diseases and personal protective equipment in national and international publications published between 1966 and 2022 were compiled. 208 sources were examined in the research population. The research was conducted using the descriptive record scanning method, one of the qualitative research methods. 158 sources consist of national and international articles and theses. While the ratio of these is 16% in nationally published sources, it is 84% in internationally published sources. The distribution of theses is 59% nationally and 41% internationally. The article distribution is 13% nationally and 87% internationally. In the findings part of the study, it is seen that the microorganisms that caused occupational diseases in the past have been eliminated by technology and human awareness. It has been observed that when employees know that microorganisms are present in the working environment, their awareness of their health increases significantly. OHS trainings provided information on avoiding wastewater, using adequate and appropriate personal protective equipment and knowing the risks. This study is intended to be a guide for occupational health and safety specialists, workplace physicians, all relevant persons, institutions and organisations and to be useful in academic studies in this field.