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Occupational health and safety research and prevention programs in developing countries have focused almost exclusively on problems in large scale agricultural, mining, and manufacturing industries. This emphasis on large scale operations has largely ignored the fact that a high proportion of the nonagricultural workforce in developing countries is employed in small scale industries including cottage industries. These small shops have many problems not found in large scale facilities. The owners usually have limited financial resources, the machinery is old, and the buildings are primitive. The workforce is usually poorly educated and has a low level of skills, resulting in little knowledge of the hazards in the shops. The use of child labor is common. These factors result in the employees having little ability to comply with health and safety regulations. Cottage industries, whether found in developing or industrialized countries, are associated with many hazards including exposure to lead fumes, silica dust, toxic woods, and dyes and ergonomic problems. A major problem in cottage industries is usually a lack of knowledge about hazards associated with the materials and processes and how to work safely. Whole families including children may be at risk since much of the work is done at home. Training and education for cottage industry workers were discussed. Inspection of individual worksites is not feasible because of the large number and the fact that cottage industries are not usually regulated. Prevention programs that incorporate training and education about the hazards, suitable precautions to take, and safer substitutes should be developed. Providing access to medical care for cottage industry workers was discussed. 'Barefoot' doctors and other local health care providers must be trained in diagnosing and treating occupational diseases related to the cottage industries in their communities. This will require support from government occupational health agencies and nongovernmental organizations.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 30(2):125-129, 1996. (23 references)
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