Purpose, background and content of the manual

This manual shows how to take simple, effective, and low-cost action which improves safety and health at the workplace and at the same time raises productivity. The training method encourages owners and operators to make concrete improvements at the shop-floor level.

The methodology is based on pilot studies, extensive field experience and careful analysis of the real needs of informal sector operators. The manual address basics safety and health concerns. It includes useful and practical ideas on key topics such as: dust exposure, chemicals' use, fire prevention, working postures, working premises, first aid, etc. The emphasis is on practical, low-cost and locally identified measures to improve working conditions and workplaces. Each training programme using the methodology should build upon local experience, be adapted to local working practices and identify the possible improvements in the participants' workplaces. The manual is available both in English and Kiswahili.

This training approach was built upon local experience in Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Nigeria. It is based on the actual experience of informal sector operators who have participated in pilot training programmes organized by the ILO. The training materials were first developed during the Interdepartmental Project on the Urban Informal Sector of the ILO (1995-96). A mayor contribution to this important effort was made possible by an ILO/UNDP project on Urban Employment Promotion carried out in Tanzania in 1997-1998 with the extension of the pilot project. The materials were further tested and validated in other technical cooperation projects.

It is been included in the SafeWork website with the purpose of sharing this experience with others working with informal sector's micro-enterprises. Any feedback on the manual for its adaptation to other countries, improvement and better use are highly appreciated. safework@ilo.org

Valentina Forastieri
SafeWork Programme
Social Protection Sector
International Labour Office
CH- 1211, Geneva, 22
Switzerland
January 2001

1. Dust: clean properly - don't spread dust

WHY

Dust increases wear and tear on machinery, which thus requires more maintenance. It may also negatively affect the quality of raw materials and finished products. Dust entering the respiratory system (breathing) can damage the workers' lungs. Some dusts can also be absorbed through the skin.

HOW

• Enclose or isolate dust-producing processes.
   
• Introduce or improve local exhaust ventilation at the work station.
   
• Clean regularly. Use water when cleaning. Do not spread dust.
   
• Make use of wind direction to avoid exposure to fine dust.

2. Chemicals: protect workers from chemical risks

WHY

Chemicals can seriously injure workers. Exposure to chemicals affects workers' health, performance and accuracy. Incorrect disposal of chemicals can harm the environment outside the workplace. It is important to remember that many chemicals have long term effects that are not readily seen.

HOW

• Ensure that all hazardous substances are adequately labelled.
   
• Enclose completely the sources of hazardous gases and vapours.
   
• Change the work method so as to reduce possibilities for direct handling of hazardous materials.
   
• Provide workers with and use suitable protective clothing and gloves to avoid direct contact with hazardous materials.
   
• Utilize wind direction to avoid exposure to hazardous substances.

3. Noise: make sure that noise does not harm workers

WHY

At many workplaces, the level of noise created by machines can damage the hearing capacity and affect the health of workers. High levels of noise interfere with warning shouts, signals and communication. This can cause accidents and affects production quality. If you stand at arm's length from your co-worker and cannot talk in a normal tone of voice, the noise level is too high.

HOW

• Reduce noise at the source by using properly designed, maintained and adjusted tools or machines.
   
• Screen or isolate the source of noise as much as possible.
   
• Reduce noise reflection by raising the ceiling or using sound-absorbing materials.
   
• Use ear muffs or ear plugs when necessary.

4. Heat: protect the workers from excessive heat

WHY

Excessive heat can strongly influence working capacity. It may greatly decrease productivity and may increase errors and accidents. Heat stress increases fatigue and may lead to heat-induced illnesses. Especially in a tropical climate, it is important to provide available means of protection against excessive exposure to heat.

HOW

• Increase natural ventilation by having more openings, windows or open doorways.
   
• Insulate or screen heat-producing objects, machinery or equipment.
   
• Use ventilators or fans to have good air flow.
   

5. Lighting: increase lighting to improve quality and to prevent accidents

WHY

Sufficient lighting improves workers' comfort and performance, making the workplace a pleasant place to work. It also reduces work errors and so improves quality. Additionally poorly lit or dark places cause accidents, especially when materials are being moved.

HOW

• Maximise the use of daylight with:

  - properly located machines and work stations,
  - higher roof and bigger windows, and
  - installation of skylights (translucent plastic sheets).
   

• Clean regularly windows and give maintainance to light sources.
   
• Eliminate glare or reflections which strain the workers' eyes.
   
• Improve general artificial lighting or provide spot lighting.
   

6. Housekeeping: remove all unnecessary items and provide a proper place for everything

WHY

When the workplace is free from clutter, work goes easily and safely. Valuable space will be free of obstacles and workers can easily find the right tools for the job. When the workplace is in good order there is less chance of fire and accidents. An orderly workplace leaves a good impression for your clients.

HOW

• Remove all unnecessary items from your workplace.
   
• Assign daily or more frequent responsibility for clean-up to specific workers for specific areas.
   
• Provide convenient places and storage racks for tools, raw materials, parts and products.
   
• Keep paths and aisles clear and wide enough to allow proper transport.
   

7. Waste disposal: establish a good waste disposal system

WHY

Waste, scrap and spills of liquid on the floor not only represent a loss of material and a obstacle to the work, but are also an important cause of accidents. Conveniently placed, easy to empty waste containers help also in housekeeping and to create free space.

HOW

• Provide enough waste containers of adequate size.
   
• Establish regular system for removing waste out from the workplace.
   
• Specify clear responsibilities for waste disposal.
   

8. Roof: protect your workers and products from outside heat and rain

WHY

An important condition for productive work is the correct temperature inside the work premises. A proper roof can protect from direct and indirect heating up effect of sunlight in the work premises. When it rains and if the roof is not in good condition, there is an unnecessary risk to get damages for tools, materials and products.

HOW

• Improve roof to give protection from the sun light and rain.
   
• Raise the roof to increase natural indirect lighting and ventilation in work premises.
   

9. Floor: improve your workshop floor for productive and safe work

WHY

Inappropriate floor surfaces or poorly maintained floors can be a major source of accidents, work interruptions and product damage.

HOW

• Improve your floor for better strength and resistance to wear and abrasion. For example a clay floor can be improved by adding 60 % of slag or gravel and tamping properly.
   
• Keep floors clear from obstacles.
   
• Keep floors in good condition to avoid accidents and damages for materials and products.
   

10. Drainage: improve drainage system to keep your workplace dry and clean

WHY

A good drainage system is important to keep your work premises dry, to achieve good hygienic condition, to reduce the incidence of infectious diseases and avoid accidents.

HOW

• Provide for proper drainage of waste water outside your work premises and remember that it should only be used as a passage for water disposal.
   
• Provide a drainage system for rain water.
   
• Keep the drainage clean and clear on a regular basis.
   

11. Fire prevention: protect you business from fire accidents

WHY

Fire prevention is the best insurance against fire accidents. When fire breaks down it often causes heavy financial loses. Sometimes, even loses of human life are possible.

HOW

• Organise measures to mitigate the possibilities and effects of fire by:

  - keeping you premises in good order,
  - acquire basic fire fighting equipment (e.g. water bucket, blankets and fire extinguisher)
  - train your workers in fire fighting and prevention.
   

• Check that all electrical appliances are properly insulated.
   
• Provide proper storage for all flammable liquids and other materials, such as, fuels, gases and solvents.
   

12. Lifting: do not break your back by wronglifting

WHY

Wrong lifting methods cause fatigue and can cause injury. Back injury resulting from wrong lifting methods can cost you a great deal, as you may lose working ability for a long period.

HOW

• Train workers to use their legs rather than their backs when lifting.
   
• Raise and lower materials slowly in front of the body without twisting or deep bending.
   
• Instead of lifting or carrying heavy weights, divide them into smaller packages, containers or trays.
   
• Use carts, hand trucks and other wheeled devices or rollers when moving heavy materials.
   
• Combine lifting with physically lighter tasks to avoid injury and fatigue and to increase efficiency.
   

13. Hazardous postures: bad postures decrease efficiency and comfort

WHY

When work is done in a natural posture, with weight on both feet and without bending or twisting, fatigue is less and productivity is higher. Arrange for good hand positions to allow a natural posture.

HOW

• Avoid strenuous work or prolonged unnatural working postures.
   
• Avoid work requiring high hand positions for standing workers by providing foot stands or platforms.
   
• Put materials within easy reach of workers, using racks if necessary.
   
• Assign work tasks in order to create opportunities to alternate between standing and sitting postures.
   

14. Seats: provide good seats for everybody

WHY

Seated work seems comfortable compared with other forms of work. However, sitting for long hours is also tiring. Good seats reduce fatigue, improve work efficiency and increase job satisfaction.

HOW

• Provide chairs or benches of the correct height or make seats height individually adjustable.
   
• Choose the seat surface and/or provide a cushion for comfort and support.
   
• Provide chairs with a backrest of proper size which provides low back support.
   

15. Working surfaces: provide a stable work surface at each workstation

WHY

Work at any workstation consists of a variety of tasks. A stable work surface of a certain size is needed to accommodate not only main tasks but also other minor tasks. A work surface that is too narrow or unsteady results in time loss and more effort, thus reducing work efficiency and increasing fatigue.

HOW

• At each workstation provide a stable work surface of appropriate size.
   
• Avoid a makeshift work surface or unsteady surface.
   
• Avoid bending postures for standing workers by raising the height of equipment, controls or work surfaces.
   
• Provide work tables of suitable height for seated workers so that too high or low hand positions and bending postures are avoided.
   

16. Work tools: a safe tool is a productive tool

WHY

Tools adapted to the particular operation greatly improve productivity and are safe to use. Vices and clamps reduce accidents, as they prevent slippage of material, reduce the need for maintaining a bad posture and provide better control over the work item and tools.

HOW

• Provide safe power tools and make sure that safety guards are used.
   
• Choose tools of appropriate size and shape for easy and safe use.
   
• Improve tools or use locking devices to reduce gripping or handling force.
   
• Provide a "home" for each tool.
   
• Make sure that tools are maintained and repaired and that no worn-out tools are used.

17. Toilets: make sure that toilet facilities serve their purpose

WHY

Well maintained toilets meet some of workers' most essential needs. Conveniently located toilet facilities also save working time. Sufficient toilet facilities that are clean and well maintained, represent the "face" of your workplace.

HOW

• Provide sufficient toilet facilities close to the working area.
   
• Provide sufficient separate hand washing facilities with soaps or hand cleaners.
   
• Ensure that toilet and hand washing facilities are regularly cleaned and in good sanitary conditions.
   

18. Showers: good washing facilities are essential for hygiene and health

WHY

Washing facilities that are conveniently located and regularly used, help to prevent chemicals from being absorbed through the skin or being ingested during snacks and meals. Well maintained washing facilities have also positive effects for work satisfaction.

HOW

• Check that washing-facilities are near the work-site, sufficient in number, proper and well maintained.
   
• When you rearrange or build again your workshop, provide good washing facilities to ensure hygiene and tidiness.
   
• Maintain showers or washing facilities properly.
   

19. Drinking water: drinking water is essential for health

WHY

Good dinking facilities can do much to prevent fatigue and maintain workers' health. Especially in a hot environment, work results in considerable loss of water, and that can affect the workers' productivity and health if clean drinking water is not available.

HOW

• Provide proper facilities for drinking water near the work area.
   
• Take care that the water cannot be contaminated by dust or chemicals.
   
• Ensure that there is always safe drinking water available.
   

20. Food hygiene: good hygiene is important for work and health

WHY

Workers spend a substantial part of their everyday life at the workplace. Just as they do at home, they also drink, eat and rest at their workplace. Do not forget that clean and hygienic cooking facilities and eating areas are an essential part of your workplace.

HOW

• Take care that the food is always prepared in a clean and hygienic place.
   
• Provide a separate area for meals near the work area, but away from the workstations.
   
• Keep washing facilities clean to ensure food hygiene.
   

21. Personal protective equipment (PPE): provide ppe that gives adequate protection

WHY

For hazards which cannot be eliminated, appropriate PPE must be selected and used.

Each type of PPE is designed to protect certain parts of the body (e.g. hands, feet, eyes). and only against certain hazards.

HOW

• Provide adequate numbers and appropriate types of protective goggles (welding), face shields (grinding), masks, earplugs, safety footwear, helmets and/or gloves.
   
• Ensure regular use of PPE through adequate instruction and training.
   
• Ensure that all PPE is easily available, well maintained and its use is regularly monitored.
   
• Clearly mark areas requiring the use of PPE.
   
• Replace PPE with built-in guards or other built-in hazard reduction measures whenever possible.
   

22. Work/rest cycles: take frequent short pauses to avoid fatigue and to work with renewed energy

WHY

Prolonged work leads to fatigue and raises the risk of accidents. Short rest pauses can improve concentration and increase work quality and productivity. Taking short breaks at relatively short intervals (say five minutes in every hour) is better than taking a long break after the worker reaches a stage of excessive fatigue.

HOW

• Avoid daily or weekly working hours which are too long (about 8 hours in a day is recommended).
   
• Consider taking short breaks in addition to a long break for meals.
   
• Take short spontaneous pauses during the working period.
   

23. Training: provide opportunities for workers to learn new skills

WHY

By training workers in new skills, it is easier to organize new work systems which are more productive and safer. By acquiring new skills, workers can do multiple jobs. In this way, job rotation can be more easily organized and absent workers more easily replaced, without looking for additional workers.

HOW

• Improve job content by training workers to do maintenance, adjustment and planning of tasks in addition to routine manual work.
   
• Train workers to do multiple jobs in your workplace.
   
• Ensure that workers are trained about safety and heath hazards.
   
• Instruct and train workers on the adequate use of personal protective equipment.
   

24. Interaction and communication at work: good communication has many positive effects

WHY

Well-planned work provides opportunities for workers to communicate with other workers without leaving their work-station. This stimulates the workers without interrupting work. Interaction in work has positive effects in job satisfaction and also in solving problems.

HOW

• Provide opportunities for workers to talk with each other while they are working.
   
• Avoid layouts or job assignments which require work in isolation.
   
• Provide workers with frequent feedback on the quality and quantity of their work.
   

25. Safety and health committees: safety and health can be improved by committee work

WHY

The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) committee is an effective and important forum for the exchange of ideas on how to make the working environment safe and healthy. The OSH committee is responsible for regular monitoring and improving of the working environment.

HOW

• Members (about 6 persons) of the OSH committee are nominated by the workers.
   
• An OSH committee members should represent different parts of the workplace
   
• An OSH committee meets regularly (e.g. weekly) and is responsible for organizing safety and health programmes such as this PATRIS training.
   
• An OSH committee is also an important contact point for government officials who are responsible for safety, health and environmental issues.
   

26. First aid: first aid skills are essential at any workplace

WHY

Even if occupational safety and health is well organized in a workplace there is still always a possibility for an accident. If an accident happens, loses can be minimised by quick corrective action. First aid is the first skilled assistance we give to an injured or sick person before taking him to the hospital for medical treatment.

HOW

• Ensure that there are at least two trained first aiders in every workplace.
   
• Provide an adequately furnished first-aid box.
   
• Ensure that workers have easy access to medical care, as necessary.
   
• Provide a system for regular health examinations of workers.
   

27. Health services: well organized health services are important for workers well-being

WHY

Protecting the workers against any health hazard which may arise out of work or conditions in which it is carried can be done only with professional occupational health personnel.

HOW

• The service must be established in or near a place of work.
   
• Establish a regular system for the identification and control of work hazards and to protect workers' health.
   
• Establish a system for record keeping of accidents and diseases in the workplace through the OSH committee.
   
• The OSH committees should seek professionals advice form Health Services on occupational health issues.
   

Annex 1: An example of checklist

Mark "2" where ever you estimate that the condition is satisfactory,
Mark "1" if you estimate that the condition needs some improvement and
Mark "0" when you estimate that the condition is unsatisfactory and needs improvement as a priority.

Annex 2: An example of compiled checklist

Mark "2" where ever you estimate that the condition is satisfactory,
Mark "1" if you estimate that the condition needs some improvement and
Mark "0" when you estimate that the condition is unsatisfactory and needs improvement as a priority.

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