Occupational safety and health (OSH) risks for the female workers engaged in the shrimp processing industry in Bangladesh

Abstract

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) risks are emergent issues for the female work force in the Bangladesh shrimp processing industry. The Bangladesh Government, along with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the local shrimp factory owners, has taken the OSH issues seriously across the shrimp processing sector following several accidents that occurred in the Bangladesh garments industry. That shrimps are processed on ground floors of two-storied building, has made shrimp processing less risky with respect to fire and building safety. But working in cold and moist conditions for long periods, without adequate personal protection equipment (PPE) can cause health problems for workers. Respiratory problems and musculoskeletal pains are the common health issues perceived to be prevalent in shrimp processing workers. Other OSH risks include faults in electric lines and connections to run processing machines, high sound volumes in the work environment, vibration around machine rooms, and prolonged work hours without ear plugs that can cause impaired hearing. Compressor machines and ammonia gas cylinders carry high risks of explosions and leakage of toxic gas, which can cause breathing ailments or can kill in severe cases. Recent investigations of OSH in shrimp processing revealed that female workers suffered more than their male counterparts from several illnesses and occupational diseases. They were also victims of wage disparity and were deprived of admissible leave and privileges. Since the majority of the shrimp processing workers are female, these OSH risks require additional scrutiny. The present paper investigated and presents findings of a study conducted to assess OSH status of shrimp processing workers in Bangladesh.