BACKGROUND: Workers in informal small-scale industries (SSI) in developing countries involved in welding, spray painting, woodwork and metalwork are exposed to various hazards with consequent risk to health. Aim To assess occupational exposure and health problems in SSI in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS: Focused group discussions (FGD) were conducted among SSI workers. Participants were assessed for exposure to occupational and environmental hazards, the use of protective equipment and health complaints by interview. The findings were discussed with participants and potential interventions identified. RESULTS: Three hundred and ten workers were interviewed (response rate 98%). There was a high level (>90%) of self-reported exposure to either dust, fumes, noise or sunlight in certain occupational groups. There was low reported use of personal protective equipment. There was a high level of self-reported occupational health problems, particularly amongst welders and metalworkers. Workers reported their needs as permanent workplaces, information on work related hazards, water and sanitation, and legislation for SSI. CONCLUSIONS: In SSI in Tanzania, our study suggests that workers have high levels of exposure to multiple health hazards and that use of protective equipment is poor. This group of workers warrants improved occupational health and safety provision.
BACKGROUND: Workers in informal small-scale industries (SSI) in developing countries involved in welding, spray painting, woodwork and metalwork are exposed to various hazards with consequent risk to health. Aim To assess occupational exposure and health problems in SSI in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS: Focused group discussions (FGD) were conducted among SSI workers. Participants were assessed for exposure to occupational and environmental hazards, the use of protective equipment and health complaints by interview. The findings were discussed with participants and potential interventions identified. RESULTS: Three hundred and ten workers were interviewed (response rate 98%). There was a high level (>90%) of self-reported exposure to either dust, fumes, noise or sunlight in certain occupational groups. There was low reported use of personal protective equipment. There was a high level of self-reported occupational health problems, particularly amongst welders and metalworkers. Workers reported their needs as permanent workplaces, information on work related hazards, water and sanitation, and legislation for SSI. CONCLUSIONS: In SSI in Tanzania, our study suggests that workers have high levels of exposure to multiple health hazards and that use of protective equipment is poor. This group of workers warrants improved occupational health and safety provision.
Authors: Vijay Alexander; Kulandaipalayam Natarajan C Sindhu; Pradeep Zechariah; Abigail Veravolu Resu; Suryanarayan Rajendran Nair; Deepthi Kattula; Venkata Raghava Mohan; Reginald George Alex T Journal: Int J Occup Environ Health Date: 2016-09-28
Authors: Olufunsho Awodele; Temidayo D Popoola; Bawo S Ogbudu; Akin Akinyede; Herbert A B Coker; Alade Akintonwa Journal: Saf Health Work Date: 2014-04-04
Authors: Mehdi Jahangiri; Akbar Rostamabadi; Parvaneh Yekzamani; Bahare Mahmood Abadi; Fariborz Behbood; Seyyedeh Fatemeh Ahmadi; Zahra Momeni Journal: Saf Health Work Date: 2016-06-06