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Abstract

Introduction: The industrial revolution paved a new highway for charting newer territories and defining development in a newer perspective. Small scale and household industries (SSHI) employ on average nearly 40% of the workforce in the industrialized countries and up to 60% of the workforce in developing and newly industrialized countries. SSHI are gaining importance in national economies. They are employment-intensive, flexible in adapting to rapidly changing market situations, and provide job opportunities for many who would otherwise be unemployed. Their capital requirements are often low and they can produce goods and services near the consumer or client. The workforce of SSHI is characterized by its diversity. As a result, they often expose such vulnerable groups as children, pregnant women and the elderly to occupational health risks. Further, since many SSHI are carried out in or near the home, they often expose family members and neighbours to the physical and chemical hazards of their workplaces. Making working conditions safe and healthy is the interest of workers, employers and the Government. Although it seems simple and obvious, this idea has not yet gained meaningful recognition in Nepal. Methods: The study was conducted in thirty small scale industries of Pokhara city, Kaski District in Jan, Feb, March 2014. Altogether 480 workers were involved for the study. The study was descriptive in design by using quantitative data. Similarly, Workplace Occupational Health Assessment was done in industrial setting. A thorough medical examination of 85 child workers was done using a structured questionnaire to find out the health effects due to occupational hazards. The preliminary list contained the name of the registered SSHI located inside as well as outside the industrial estates. Thirty industries were randomly picked up from the list of the industries. Prior informed consent was received from the respondents and assuring them that their personal details would be concealed. The procedures and methods used for study were limited to personal interviews, health examination of the child workers and occupational health risk assessment. The information collected was recorded and analysed using SPSS 16.0 version. Results: The industries selected for study were as follows: Metal industry, Paint Industry, Tent industry, Drinking water bottling plant, Brick kiln, Stone crusher plant, Construction industry, Embroidery industry, Instant noodle industry and Carpet industry Out of the total 480 workers present in the industries under study, one fourth (24.8%) were child workers. Higher proportion of child workers (97%) was illiterate. Among the child workers, 23 (17%) were girls. The highest prevalence (53.3%) was found for ear problems, whereas 49.6% were suffering from other diseases (e.g. scabies, anaemia, and pin-worm infestation) and 38.5% from upper respiratory tract infection (URI) respectively. Also 37% of the respondents had nose problems. Subjective complaints of the child workers related to different psychological and physical effects induced by the work processes were also assessed. Conclusion: The occupational health and safety practices in small scale industries in Pokhara have been found to be unsatisfactory. Child labour is a serious problem. Out of thirty industries, sixteen have employed child workers and the working conditions range from bad to terrible. Health and welfare of the child workers was also not satisfactory. There is an urgent need in Nepal to introduce a legally binding mechanism for OHS with the creation of an appropriate authority to supervise its implementation and enforcement. This will help to ensure a uniform standard of occupational health care at all levels ensuring workers efficiency and well being.There should be a strong provision of occupational health services, carrying out activities in the workplace with the aim of protecting and promoting workers� safety, health and well-being, as well as improving their working conditions and environment.

Biography

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