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International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics Volume 27, 2021 - Issue 2
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Articles

Informal-sector occupational hazards: an observational workplace assessment of the traditional medicine trade in South Africa

Busisiwe Shezia Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, South AfricaCorrespondence[email protected]
ORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-4999-9738View further author information
ORCID Icon,
Rajen N. Naidoob Occupational and Environmental Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-2318-4004View further author information
ORCID Icon,
Sheena Muttoob Occupational and Environmental Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-8591-1011View further author information
ORCID Icon,
Angela Matheea Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, South AfricaORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-0060-829XView further author information
ORCID Icon,
Laura Alfersc Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing, South AfricaORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-5925-7367View further author information
ORCID Icon,
Richard Dobsond Asiye eTafuleni, South AfricaORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-6279-5038View further author information
ORCID Icon,
Patrick Ndlovud Asiye eTafuleni, South AfricaORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-2427-8213View further author information
ORCID Icon &
Renee A. Streeta Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, South AfricaORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-1983-8968View further author information
ORCID Icon show all
Pages 562-569 | Published online: 24 May 2019
 
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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.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the participants for their time.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by South African Medical Research Council [grant number SAMRC-RFA-IRF-02-2016].

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