Abstract:
This study examines the perspective of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in textile
industries in Faisalabad district of Punjab. The concept of occupational Health and Safety
in developing countries is limited and diseases and accidents at work remain one of the
most appalling tragedies of the modern industrial age therefore the incidence of
occupational diseases and injuries is high. No sufficient data about OHS are available in
Pakistan because the majority of accidents are not reported to the Labour Department.
Pakistan also has poor occupational safety and health legislation and infrastructure. The
health and safety measures prescribed in most of the laws have not kept pace with the
rapidly changing the biggest enterprises with the largest employed rate in Pakistan.
Keeping in view the present study has been undertaken. The sample was consisted of six
randomly selected textile units from the total 29units of the district Faisalabad, Pakistan.
The quantitative and qualitative both approaches were employed to collect the data. The
total sample size was 600.The 480 workers and 120 mangers were selected through
proportionate sampling technique. Data was collected through a well-structured
interviewing schedule. The data collected were analyzed by using descriptive and
inferential statistics techniques at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. The results
showed that awareness regarding OHS measure is poor among workers as compared to
the managers. The workers frequently suffered from various diseases such as itching,
headache and respiratory problem. The available general facilities were satisfactory while
technical facilities were inadequate. Most of the respondents did not receive any training
for using technical facilities and where not familiar with procedure to be followed during
emergencies. The workers were not satisfied by the available medical and hygiene
facilities. The information level about the injurious chemical and their harmful effect was
insufficient among workers. The control measures were available but were inadequate in
majority of the enterprises. It is suggested that a complete training and awareness
programme including legal and medical protection issues.