Status of Occupational Safety and Health in Flour Milling Companies in Nairobi Kenya

Abstract

Flour milling business is an important industry in the Kenyan economy as it provides maize flour (for ugali) and wheat flour to almost all the households. The study aimed at assessing occupational safety and health hazards in 11 flour milling companies in Nairobi-Kenya registered by the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services. The study employed a descriptive design which used proportionate sampling methods to select the 310 participants but only 257 respondents filled and returned the questionnaires (response rate of 82.9%). Respondents were the factory staff who had worked for more than 6 months in management, milling, packaging, loading/offloading and workshop. Structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data which was analysed using statistic package for social sciences version 17. The study found out that the milling processes, maintenance works on the machines, loading and offloading of grains/flour, workshop activities and the packing activities were the main activities constituting safety and health hazards in the flour milling companies. Dust related health problems reported included wheezing, coughs and blocked chest problems. Other ailments believed to be as a result of the flour milling work were low back pains, joint pains and eye problems. 65.4% of the workers agreed that they had been trained on the safety and health hazards they were exposed to. The common injuries/incidents reported are, musculoskeletal problems (44%) (Pain in the muscles and skeleton), minor cuts (27%) (Cuts managed only by first aiders), major cuts (13%), (cuts managed by first aiders and referred for medical help), had dislocation (8%), fractures (5%) and amputation (3%). The major cause of accidents in the flour milling companies were unguarded machines (40%); slippery floors (14.4%); Inadequate/lack of PPE (11.7%); Poor or lack of housekeeping (10.9%); inadequate or lack of lifting equipment (10.5%); Trips/slips or falls (7.8%) and Neglecting Safety Procedures (4.7%). The study recommends the flour milling companies to ensure health and safety audit, health and safety risk assessment, noise survey, dust survey and fire safety audit are conducted regularly by qualified personnel and that action plans to implement recommendations provided there in should also be developed and the same shared with DOSHS and follow up done. The study also recommends guarding of all moving parts of the machines that can cause harm, ensure all floors are even, avoid slippery floors, use mechanical aid for lifting/ carrying heavy loads ensure grains/flour are packaged in small packages not exceeding 50kg. Adopt lock out tag out system for all maintenance works on machines. Finally, the study recommends regular training of all the employees in regards to occupational health and safety, fire safety and first aid. The trainings should be conducted by qualified professionals who are licensed by DOSHS.