Publication: Occupational health in small scale and household industries in Nepal: A situation analysis
Date
2008
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: 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.
Materials and methods: The study was conducted in ten small scale industries of Kathmandu valley. Altogether 545
questionnaires on socioeconomic and occupational history were filled up. Similarly, Workplace Occupational Health
Assessment was done in all ten industries. A thorough medical examination of 135 child workers was done using a
structured questionnaire to find out the health effects due to occupational hazards.
Results: Out of the total 545 workers present in the industries under study, 135 (24.8%) were child workers. Higher
proportion of child workers (97%) was illiterate compared to 3% of children with primary level education. Among the
child workers, 23 (17%) were girls. The majority of the child labourers were suffering from conditions like otitis externa,
otitis media, scabies, anaemia, upper respiratory diseases, nasal problems, abdominal pain etc.
Conclusion: The occupational health and safety practices in small scale industries in Kathmandu have been found to be
unsatisfactory. Child labour is a serious problem. Out of ten industries, six have employed child workers and the working
conditions range from bad to terrible. Health and welfare of the child workers was also not satisfactory.
Key words: Situation Analysis, Occupational Hazards, Occupational Health and Safety, Small Scale and Household
Industries, Child Labour, Kathmandu, Nepal
Description
Joshi SK 1,3, Dahal P2
1 Principal Investigator, 2 Co Principal Investigator, Nepal Health Research Council, Ram Shah Path, Kathmandu, Nepal, 3Asst. Professor, Kathmandu Medical College