Citation

Shezi B, Naidoo R, Muttoo S, Mathee A, Alfers L, Dobson R, Ndlovu P, Street R. Int. J. Occup. Safety Ergonomics 2019; ePub(ePub): 1-8.

Affiliation

Environment and Health Research Unit , South African Medical Research Council , Durban , South Africa.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10803548.2019.1602329

PMID

30961442

Abstract

Informal traditional medicine markets are trading and processing hubs for a range of plant, animal and mineral materials; however, little is known regarding the occupational risks associated with the processing and handling of these products. The aim of this study was to identify the workplace hazards of the traditional medicine trade. A walk-through observation of the workplace was conducted by two independent observers with formal training in workplace risk evaluation. Ergonomic, physical, chemical, biological and environmental hazards were identified from the handling of plant, animal and/or mineral products. The study gives an insight into a unique and diverse sector.

Language: en

Keywords

informal workers; occupational hazards; potentials risks; traditional medicine traders