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| Sunday, 6 January 2002 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Occupational health and safety a must in every industry by T. K. SAHID OSSAN The global workforce consists of about 45 per cent of the world's population. Their work sustains the economic and material basis, which is critically dependent on their capacity. Occupational health and the well-being of working people are crucial pre-requisites for productivity and are of utmost importance to overall socio-economic and sustainable development. Occupational health and safety is a multi-disciplinary activity aiming at: Protection and promotion of health of the workers by preventing and controlling occupational diseases and accidents and by eliminating occupational factors and conditions hazardous to health and safety at work; Development and promotion of healthy and safe work, work environment and work organisations; Enhancement of physical, mental and social well-being of workers and support for the development and maintenance of their working capacity as well as professional and social development at work; and Enabling workers to conduct a socially and economically productive life and to contribute positively to sustainable development. The five workplace factors that can affect occupational health and safety are the building, the machinery, the substances, the workers and the physical environment. Workers are exposed to a multitude of hazards at work. A hazard is the inherent property of an agent to cause harm, injury or death. The risk is the likelihood that a hazard may cause harm, injury or death under the given conditions. In occupational health and safety we identify hazards and take measures to reduce risk to acceptable levels. Occupational hazards can be classified as physical, chemical, biological, psycho-social and ergonomic. Occupational exposures can occur in a variety of situations and in complex combinations. There could be mechanical factors like unsealed machinery, unsafe structures and dangerous tools which may cause physical injury. Hazards caused by trafficking in Sri Lanka are starting to reach epidemic dimensions. Most such accidents are preventable by adopting relatively simple measures like improving work environment, work practices, management practices and training in safety measures. There could be chemical factors like exposure to chemicals, dyes, solvent and pesticides. These could lead to diseases of the skin and many other symptoms of the body. Workers may be exposed to several physical factors such as noise, vibration, radiation and micro-climatic conditions. Noise induced hearing loss has been found to be one of the most prevalent occupational diseases. The occupational health and safety legislation in Sri Lanka, the Factories Ordinance No 45 of 1942 provides "Standards" for the above mentioned five factors. The law has provisions for safety, health and welfare of workers in places of work defined as a factory. The Chief Factory Inspecting Engineer enforces the law. Some of the provisions under safety are approval of building plans, the guarding of machinery, testing and certification of pressure vessels testing of lifting equipment, fire safety, electrical safety, work in confined spaces and work with explosives and flammables. Provisions under health include cleanliness, overcrowding, adequate ventilation, suitable lighting, protection of eyes, protection from noise, vibration, radiation and sanitary conveniences. Provisions under welfare are supply of drinking water, washing facilities, accommodation for clothing and first aid. The employer is responsible for the safety and health of workers. The law stipulates some obligations of the workers. Fatal occupational accidents and serious accidents (more than three days leave) and dangerous occurrences should be notified to the authority. A list of notifiable occupational diseases is given in the law. Notification of such disease is the responsibility of the attending physicians. Principles of prevention of hazards describe the following: Substitution of a hazardous substance with a non or less hazardous substance; Redesign of process to eliminate exposure; Total enclosure of process; Segregation of hazardous materials; Capturing at source before release to environment; Provision of good ventilation; Good housekeeping; Education and training; Personal hygiene; Personal protection by reduction of exposure time and use of equipment and Periodic medical examinations to detect abnormalities early. Finally, several aspects of work may raise health concerns like gender discrimination, equality at workplace, social relationships between managers and workers and social support from fellow workers. Occupational health services if appropriately and effectively implemented for all workers, would contribute positively not only to workers, but also to overall socio-economic development, productivity, environmental health and well-being of countries, communities, families and dependants. It would also lead to control of unnecessary costs from sickness, absenteeism, work disability, as well as of health care and social security. |
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