Sanitation workers provides an essential public service and strengthened the sanitation systems by management and safe disposal in the environment. However, sanitation workers are often neglected in the society, despite their risk at work in the field cleaning ditches, septic tanks, drains, and collecting waste. The sanitation workers are often in contact with hazardous biological and chemical agents in the dangerous working environment which risk their health and safety. On top of that, the workers also face stigma and social discrimination from the nature of their work.
On the occasion of International Labors Day (May1st), ENPHO with support of BORDA South Asia , in coordination with Kirtipur Municipality organized a one-day training on “Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)” for sanitation workers of Kirtipur Municipality. The sanitation workers include in the training were solid waste collectors and deslugers of four different associated organization of Kirtipur Municipality. The training was conducted on 1st May, 2023 at Hillside Hotel, Kirtipur with an objective to sensitize the sanitation workers about usage and effect of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hygiene maintenance in their working environment.
Altogether 26 participants including solid waste workers from Kirtipur Municipality participated in the event. Ms. Subha Laxmi Shakya, Deputy Mayor, Kirtipur Municipality resided at special guest at the event.
The program was formally started with the opening session, which was facilitated by Ms. Shobha Rana, Trainer, ENPHO. This session included the introduction of participants and sharing of the objective of the program.
Ms. Lasata Manandhar, Asst. Communication and Documentation Officer from ENPHO, facilitated the second session, describing the roles of occupational safety and health for sanitation workers, linking it with the health, prestige, and family health for the sanitation workers.
The session was followed by next session which focused on the risk of disease contamination and source of disease transmission to the workers during their working environment. Also, the disease associated with sanitation workers was thoroughly discussed during this session.
The session hand hygiene was facilitated was facilitated by Ms. Ritu Sharma, Assistant Project Officer, ENPHO where she discussed about the importance of performing hand hygiene after working in the cleaning drains, ditches, septic tanks and collecting any type of waste. A demonstration by engaging the participants was performed on washing hand with soap and water.
Next session on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) briefed participants about the importance of using PPE which was then followed by closing session.
The session was concluded with special remarks by Deputy Mayor where she expressed appreciation for the incredible participation of sanitation workers. Ms. Subha Laxmi Shakya, Deputy Mayor, Kirtipur Municipality during her remarks said, “We are fortunate to organize this event on the occasion of International Labours Day. While managing the waste for safety of community, sanitation workers themselves are at the risk of hazardous diseases. To minimise these risks, I hope this training will help all the participants to adapt proper hygiene behaviour while working and after work. With this, the municipality is continuously working to manage the produced waste of Kirtipur within the municipality itself”.
Voices from participants were also collected during the session where participants shared their experiences. One of the participant Mr. Juman Ansari, Sanitation Worker, Kirtipur during his remarks shared, “I never felt dignified as sanitation worker before attending this training. I now understand that I am doing a great job for the community by collecting waste. I have understood about the importance and usage of PPE for prevention from diseases. I will apply these learnings and will also share this knowledge among my friend and family”.
Mr. Gyan Bajra Maharjan, Head of Environment and Social Development Unit, Kirtipur Municipality during his remarks thanked ENPHO for organizing this training for sanitation workers. He during his closing remarks also requested all the participants to apply this shared knowledge into practise while working in future
