Occupational Hazards and Illnesses of Filipino Women Workers in Export Processing Zones

• Autorzy: Lu J. L.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

This was a baseline study on occupational exposure and health problems among women workers in export processing zones. Physical, chemical, and ergonomic hazards were evaluated and measured through workplace ambient monitoring, survey questionnaires, and interviews with 500 respondents in 24 companies (most were female at 88.8%). The top 5 hazards were ergonomic hazards (72.2%), heat (66.6%), overwork (66.6%), poor ventilation (54.8%), and chemical exposure (50.8%). The most common illnesses were gastrointestinal problems (57.4%), backache (56%), headache (53.2%), and fatigue/weakness (53.2%). Logistic regression showed an association between certain work-related factors and occupational illnesses, and psychosocial problems. Highly significant associations were hearing loss with years spent in the company (p = .005) and gender (p = .006), headache and dizziness with poor ventilation (p = .000), backache with prolonged work (p = .003). These results will have implications for policy and program formulation for women workers’ concerns and issues in export zones.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

occupational health and safety; women workers; export zones; occupational illnesses and injuries

• Wydawca: Taylor & Francis
• Czasopismo: International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics
• Rocznik: 2008
• Tom: Vol. 14, No. 3
• Strony: 333--342
• Opis fizyczny: Bibliogr. 22 poz., tab.

Twórcy

autor

Lu J. L.

• National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines, Manila, the Philippines

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