Brick-kiln workers are unware of dust and smoke hazards

Kathmandu, Oct. 26

About three-fourth of the brick-kiln workers do not know about the chronic diseases caused by the dust and smoke while many of them are the victims of diseases like asthma, cough and pneumonia.

“About 75 per cent workers have no idea about the repercussions of the dust and smokes at the work place which has a severe impact on their health,” concluded a recent report published by the Resource Centre for Primary Health Care (RECPHEC).

Speaking at a programme organised to unveil the findings of the study, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security Sujan Joshi said that more than 200 people die every year in Nepal due to business related accidents. But it is not reported to the ministry.

He suggested conducting labour audit of every industry and business establishment to make the health and lives of the workers safe.

According to him, the lack of awareness in the part of the workers and inability in the part of the employers to implement the health and security measures at the workplace has resulted in the accidents.

“There is a provision that if a worker meets an accident and becomes disabled or is affected by business related diseases, he/she is entitled of monthly pension 60 per cent equivalent to his regular salary,” said Joshi.

Researcher Purna Bhakta Duwal said that the condition of workers at the brick kilns was pathetic since they did not have even a shelter to save them to rest during rain and excessive heat.

About 69.5 per cent workers who became sick due to work-related health hazards had paid the treatment cost themselves and the employers have been bearing a small part of expenditures in case of accidents.

Duwal said that about 33 per cent workers have no idea about the business safety and health.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 October 2019.