By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
Mastering these skills will help keep you and your coworkers safe while working efficiently in the leather production industry.
Occupational health and safety is a fundamental aspect of leather processing, especially in the operation of leather production machines where risks of injury and exposure to hazardous substances are significant. In Kenya’s leather industry, adherence to health and safety protocols protects workers from accidents and long-term health issues, thereby promoting a productive and sustainable working environment. This chapter explores essential terminology and concepts relating to occupational health and safety, equipping leather processing professionals with the knowledge to maintain safe workplaces in tanneries and leather manufacturing facilities.
Understanding key terms related to occupational health and safety is crucial for leather processing professionals to communicate effectively about workplace risks and preventive measures. This section defines critical concepts such as personal protective equipment, legal frameworks like OSHA, the broader scope of organisational health and safety, and the types of occupational hazards encountered in the leather industry.
PPE, or Personal Protective Equipment, refers to specialized clothing or equipment worn by workers to minimize exposure to workplace hazards that can cause injuries or illnesses. In leather processing, PPE is indispensable due to the frequent handling of chemicals, machinery, and sharp tools.
The tanning process involves chemicals like chromium salts and acids, which pose risks of burns and respiratory problems. Wearing appropriate PPE significantly reduces these risks, ensuring workers’ health is preserved. For example, at a Nairobi tannery, workers using respirators when handling chromium sulfate reported fewer respiratory complaints and greater productivity.
Selecting suitable PPE depends on the specific hazards present, the task being performed, and the working environment. The PPE must fit well, be comfortable for extended use, and comply with Kenyan safety standards. At a Kisumu leather factory, PPE selection included chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection specifically designed for wet tanning stages.
Regular inspection and maintenance prolong PPE effectiveness. Workers should check for cracks, tears, or contamination before each use. For instance, leather processing plants in Nakuru conduct weekly PPE inspections to ensure gloves and respirators are intact and properly sanitized.
OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Act, a legal framework that governs workplace safety standards to protect employees from hazards. Although OSHA is a United States law, Kenya has its parallel in the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007, which regulates workplace safety practices nationally.
The primary purpose of OSHA is to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities by setting and enforcing safety standards. In Kenya, the Act mandates employers to provide safe working conditions and proper training, especially in industries like leather processing where machinery and chemicals pose significant risks.
DOSHS enforces compliance through inspections, penalties, and orders to rectify hazards. For example, a leather tannery in Eldoret was fined for inadequate machine guarding after an accident investigation revealed unsafe practices.
Compliance improves worker morale, reduces absenteeism due to injuries, and enhances company reputation. A Mombasa leather processing firm reported increased client confidence after implementing OSHA-compliant safety protocols.
Organisation health and safety encompasses the policies, procedures, and practices that an institution implements to safeguard the well-being of its workforce. In leather production, this systematic approach integrates risk management, training, and emergency preparedness.
Effective policies identify workplace hazards, define responsibilities, and set standards for safe operations. For example, a leather cooperative in Meru developed a safety manual outlining chemical handling procedures and machine operation protocols.
Continuous education ensures workers understand risks and appropriate safety measures. Training sessions at a Nairobi tannery include chemical safety, emergency response, and correct use of PPE.
Regular assessments identify new or evolving hazards. Controls such as engineering safeguards, administrative rules, and PPE use are implemented accordingly. A leather finishing plant in Nakuru conducts monthly hazard audits to update safety measures.
Investigating accidents helps prevent recurrence by identifying root causes. A county government leather workshop in Kisii established a reporting system to document incidents and corrective actions.
Occupational hazards are workplace conditions or substances that can cause harm to workers’ health or safety. Leather processing exposes workers to a variety of physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic hazards.
Tannery chemicals such as chromium, formaldehyde, and acids can cause skin burns, respiratory problems, and long-term illnesses if not handled properly. Workers at a leather factory in Nakuru who frequently handled chromium salts without gloves developed dermatitis.
Machinery with moving parts presents risks of cuts, crush injuries, and amputations. Noise from equipment can also cause hearing loss. At a leather workshop in Nairobi, the use of machine guards and ear protection reduced injury rates.
Exposure to animal hides can introduce bacteria, fungi, and parasites, leading to infections. Proper sanitation and protective clothing are essential in slaughterhouse-adjacent tanneries.
Repetitive motions, awkward postures, and heavy lifting cause musculoskeletal disorders. Workers in leather cutting sections often suffer back pain due to poor workstation design.
Stress from high workloads, long hours, and poor work conditions affects mental health and productivity. Leather processing companies in Kisumu have introduced employee wellness programs to mitigate these effects.
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Create a free accountThis chapter began by defining key terms essential to occupational health and safety, including personal protective equipment, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, organisation health and safety, and occupational hazards. It then explored preventive measures tailored to minimize accidents within the tannery environment, emphasizing the importance of proactive safety practices. The discussion progressed to first aid drills, highlighting their role in preparing workers to respond effectively to workplace injuries. Firefighting was addressed comprehensively, starting with the identification of various firefighting equipment commonly found in industrial settings. Finally, the chapter detailed the correct use of firefighting equipment to manage fire emergencies safely and efficiently, ensuring the protection of personnel and property.
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