The impact of occupational hazards on the health of metal workers in Kenya's jua kali sector: a case study of Kamukunji metal work cluster in Nairobi

Abstract

The focus of this study was to examine how the work place can be improved to prevent any exposure or harm on the health of the Kamukunji metal workers. It also identified the various hazards brought about by their nature of work, and the surrounding environment. The impact of these hazards was also looked at and their effects on the worker, business and the rest of the family members. The review captured various studies done by various researchers in the area of interest. The theoretical framework was based on two main theories Chaos Theory and Rational Choice Theory. The study are was Kamukunji Jua Kali market in Nairobi. The study focused on all the various production activities carried out in this sector. A sample of 70 workers comprising of both employers and employees was interviewed together with 3 key informants from the Kamukunji Jua Kali Association. The study used descriptive statistic to summarize and interpret the qualitative information collected. The findings were presented using frequency tables, pie charts and pictures where applicable. The findings established that the metal cluster workplace does have a wide range of hazards and hence most workers are exposed to the various hazards either through their nature of work or environment. The researcher therefore recommends that there is need for a systematic assessment of Occupational Health Hazards, practices and outcomes so as to help assess how economic and production policies are affecting Occupational Health. The cost of such impacts and the potential benefits to be gained from investment in prevention, should be enhanced by a regulatory framework that ensures that regulations are enforced and penalties are used as a deterrent for non enforcement.