Factors Affecting Adherence to Occupational Health and Safety Rules and Regulations in Improving Public Health in the Informal Sector Workers in Mabibo- Dar es Salaam

Although significant advances have been made in Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) over the past decades, little is known about its adherence in the informal sector in Tanzania. Globally, it is estimated 2.3 million workers die every year from occupational accidents and work-related diseases. Most of these deaths occur in informal sectors. Weassessed factors affecting adherence to OSH rules and regulations in improving public health in the informal sector workers at Mabibo, Dar es Salaam.

We used a mixed study design applying both quantitative and quantitative approach. 72 informal worker and two officials from Occupational Safety and Health Authority were included. Both questionnaire and key informant Interviews were used to collect data. We used (SPSS) 20 and content analysis was used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data respectively.

We found that a majority (55.7%) of informal sector worker had low knowledge on OHS rules and regulations. Moreover, most of them (87.1%) were not trained on OHS and a majority (37.1%) rarely used protective gear when performing their duties.

Informal sector workers are at high risks of occupational accidents and diseases. This has huge economic burden to individuals, enterprises and the nation as whole. Therefore, it is important that the government puts in place mechanisms aimed to protecting their health and working rights by putting in place integrative and comprehensive programs and policies meant to protect their healthy rights.