Occupational hazards and risks among the women in fisher communities in Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram

Background: Women in the fisher communities in coastal regions of Bangladesh are engaged in a wide range of fishery activities including fish sorting, grading, cutting, dry fish processing, transporting and selling. However, there is limited evidence available on the occupational hazards and risks experienced by them. Method: The study was conducted among fishing colonies in Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram districts in Bangladesh. This was a cross-sectional study comprised of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were primarily collected through eight focus group discussions (FGD) and a quantitative survey of a sample of 207 women working in fisheries sector. Findings: The study found a high occurrence of occupational hazards, health risks and disease conditions and limited availability of preventive measures among the women in the fisher communities in the coastal Bangladesh. Occupational hazards include physical safety hazards, like slippery surface, fish cutting instruments, fish sting or bite and contact with fishes; physical hazards, like prolonged sun exposure and noise; chemical hazards like pesticides, salt and salt water; ergonomic hazards, like prolonged sitting or standing in uncomfortable posture and heavy weight lifting; and biological hazards, like inadequate provision of sanitary latrine or hand washing soap at workplace. The study also found occupational risks resulting from the hazards including injuries (87.44%), musculoskeletal conditions (69.08%), skin diseases/conditions (56.52%), eye complaints (33.82%), severe respiratory distress (24.15%) and high incidence of self-reported communicable diseases. Majority of the women did not use personal protection equipment at their workplace (78.26%) and have a first aid kit at their workplace (93.72%). Conclusion: This study highlights the critical occupational health and safety challenges faced by the women in the fisheries sector. A comprehensive multisectoral strategy needs to be undertaken to mitigate the occupational hazards and prevent associated diseases among the women in fisher communities promoting their health and wellbeing.