208c - Noise and hearing conservation for informal sector workers in Mombasa, Kenya

The purpose of the project is to promote occupational health among workers in the informal sector in Kenya. It started with work on prevention of exposure to high noise among metal workers. A group of 60 workers where provided with protective devices and training on health hazards associated with exposure to high noise. From the proceedings with a group of metal workers, we obtained a good picture on the challenges faced by the workers in the informal sector. As a follow-up to this first project, we are working on providing solutions that will contribute in reducing the noise levels. The workers do, for example, all the metal cutting with a chisel and a hammer, and further shaping by other crude tools, which are a major source of the high noise. We are looking at providing alternatives such as metal pressers to reduce the noise level. In addition, to the metal workers, we have started with providing training to three other groups in the sector: construction workers, carpenters and joinery, and another small group metals workers with a bit different product focus than the first group.