PERSPECTIVE OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN TEXTILE INDUSTRY

Abstract

This study examines the perspective of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in textile industries in Faisalabad district of Punjab. The concept of occupational Health and Safety in developing countries is limited and diseases and accidents at work remain one of the most appalling tragedies of the modern industrial age therefore the incidence of occupational diseases and injuries is high. No sufficient data about OHS are available in Pakistan because the majority of accidents are not reported to the Labour Department. Pakistan also has poor occupational safety and health legislation and infrastructure. The health and safety measures prescribed in most of the laws have not kept pace with the rapidly changing the biggest enterprises with the largest employed rate in Pakistan. Keeping in view the present study has been undertaken. The sample was consisted of six randomly selected textile units from the total 29units of the district Faisalabad, Pakistan. The quantitative and qualitative both approaches were employed to collect the data. The total sample size was 600.The 480 workers and 120 mangers were selected through proportionate sampling technique. Data was collected through a well-structured interviewing schedule. The data collected were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics techniques at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. The results showed that awareness regarding OHS measure is poor among workers as compared to the managers. The workers frequently suffered from various diseases such as itching, headache and respiratory problem. The available general facilities were satisfactory while technical facilities were inadequate. Most of the respondents did not receive any training for using technical facilities and where not familiar with procedure to be followed during emergencies. The workers were not satisfied by the available medical and hygiene facilities. The information level about the injurious chemical and their harmful effect was insufficient among workers. The control measures were available but were inadequate in majority of the enterprises. It is suggested that a complete training and awareness programme including legal and medical protection issues.