Commentary on the Organisation of Occupational Health and Safety in Southern Africa, the International Labour Organization and Policies in General

Risk-Based Assessment of 132 kV Electric Distribution Substations and Proximal Residential Areas in the Mangaung Metropolitan Region

Annually, an estimate of 2.3 million workers die prematurely due to occupational injuries and illnesses. In this study, a risk assessment was conducted to evaluate the compliance of 132 kV electric distribution substations and proximal residential areas with the South African occupational health and safety Act 85 of 1993. Data were collected from 30 electric distribution substations and 30 proximal residential areas using a checklist. Distribution substations of 132 kV were assigned an overall compliance value of ≥80%, while a composite risk value of < 0.5 was assigned to individual residential areas. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check for data normality before multiple comparisons and the Bonferroni adjustment was applied. Non-compliances in electric distribution substations were as a result of poor housekeeping and inappropriate fencing conditions. Ninety-three percent of the electric distribution substations (28/30) scored < 75% compliance on housekeeping and 30% (7/30) were non-compliant (<100%) on fencing. Conversely, there was compliance in the proximal residential areas concerning the substations. Statistically significant differences were found when substation positioning and surrounding infrastructure (p < 0.00), electromagnetic field sources (p < 0.00) and maintenance/general tidiness (p < 0.00) were compared. A peak risk value of 0.6 was observed when comparing the substation positioning with proximal electromagnetic field sources in the residential area. Housekeeping and fencing in the distribution substations must be improved to prevent occupational incidents such as injuries, fire outbreaks, theft and vandalism.

Risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among welders in the informal sector under resource constrained settings

BACKGROUND: Welding tasks involve the use of awkward working postures and repetitive movements and therefore pose a risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, severity and risk factors for WRMDs among welders in the informal sector. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 128 welders (33±10.5 years) were purposively selected from three urban centers in Zimbabwe. WRMDs were assessed using a Modified Cornell Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (MCMQ). The Quick Exposure Check (QEC) and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) were used for postural risk analysis. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Analyses showed a high prevalence of pain in the lower back (78%), right shoulder (66%), left hand wrist (62%) and right hand wrist (61%). With regards to the severity of lower back pain, 4% reported low pain, 24% mild pain and 48% were severe cases of pain. Elevated grand REBA scores were significantly associated with self-reported in various body regions. Multinomial regression analyses showed that smoking, prolonged working hours and not engaging in physical activities were significant predictors for pain. High job satisfaction and taking adequate work-rest breaks were protective factors for WRMDs (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of WRMDs among welders due to individual and work-related risk factors. Ergonomics education is required to address the risk factors for and progression of WRMDs among welders.

Accessing Occupational Health Services in the Southern African Development Community Region

Only 15% of the global population has access to occupational safety and health services. In Africa, only 5% of employees working from major establishments have access to occupational health services (OHS). Access to primary health care (PHC) services is addressed in many settings and inclusion of OHS in these facilities might increase efficiency in preventing occupational diseases. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries aiming at assessing the availability of OHS at PHC facilities and the organization of OHS. We conducted a literature review to assess the provision and organization of OHS services. In addition to the review, a total of 23 doctors from Zambia were interviewed using questionnaires in order to determine the availability of OHS and training. Consultations with heads of ministries were done in four SADC countries. Results showed that in the SADC region, OHS are fragmented and lack a comprehensive approach. In addition, out of 23 PHC facilities, only two (13%) provided occupational health and PHC. However, OHS provided at PHC facilities were limited to TB screening and audiometric testing. Our study showed a huge inadequacy of trained occupational health practitioners. This study supports the World Health Organization’s advocacy to integrate OHS at the PHC level.

A World of False Promises: International Labour Organization, World Health Organization, and the Plea of Workers Under Neoliberalism

Occupational health and safety is poorly served by United Nations agencies designated to protect workers: the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO). The neoliberal programs initially adopted by the United Nations supported institutions of social protection and regulation and expanded worker protections and union growth. Neoliberalism later became synonymous with globalism and shared in its international success. The fundamental change under neoliberalism was the exchange and accumulation of capital. The major beneficiaries of neoliberalism, at the expense of workers, were large transnational corporations and wealthy investors. During this period, WHO and ILO activities in support of workers declined. As neoliberalism ultimately became neoconservatism, occupational health and safety was purposely ignored, and labor was treated with hostility. Neoliberalism had evolved into a harsh economic system detrimental to labor and labor rights. The United Nations is now in decline, taking with it the trivial WHO and ILO programs. Replacements for the WHO and ILO programs must be developed. It is not enough to call for renewed funding, given the United Nations’ failure to direct the global effort to protect workers. A new direction must be found.