Sanitation workers provides an essential public service and strengthened the sanitation systems by management and safe disposal in the environment. However, sanitation workers are often neglected in the society, despite their risk at work in the field cleaning ditches, septic tanks, drains, and collecting waste. The sanitation workers are often in contact with hazardous biological and chemical agents in the dangerous working environment which risk their health and safety. On top of that, the workers also face stigma and social discrimination from the nature of their work. Considering the facts, ENPHO with support of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and with coordination with Mahalaxmi Municipality have organized a one-day training on “Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)” training to sanitation workers of Mahalaxmi Municipality on 15 March 2023 at Indreni Banquet, Imadol.

The program was formally started with the opening session, which was facilitated by Ms. Chandra Shova Khaitu, Curriculum Development Officer, ENPHO. Of all the five session, Mr. Subash K.C., Lead trainer from ENPHO, facilitated the session ‘role of sanitation workers’ and ‘hand hygiene’, which incorporated sharing of different types of wastes, importance of hygiene while working in the sector of sanitation. The session ‘disease transmission and occupational health’ and ‘Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)’ was led by Ms. Chandra Shova Khaitu, from ENPHO. These sessions were designed to sensitize the sanitation workers about usage and importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hygiene maintenance in their working environment. Altogether, 34 sanitation workers participated in the event including septic tank desludgers and solid waste collector and segregators.

We have been working in the sector of sanitation; however, we have not been able to realize the importance of our health and hygiene during our work. The session was effective as we get to understand about details about health, dignity, and safety during our work. This has encouraged to understand more detail about the sanitation safety in terms of health,” Mr. Khagendra Bista, Leader, Solid Waste Collector, Srijanseep Pvt. Ltd.

Additionally, during the training program, Mr. Alauddin Ahmed from ITN-BUET encourages the participants, during his special remarks, “The services sanitation workers have been providing as essential public services has been commendable, we would like to encourage all sanitation workers on usage of appropriate type of PPE as per their job requirements. Additionally, a PPE is important to use for healthy and dignified life, we encourage you to use PPE while working in the sector.” During the same training, Mr. Imtiaz Sharif, Training Specialist, from ITN-BUET presented a group activity to understand about the disease transmission and use of PPE.

On closing remarks, Mr. Rajendra Shrestha, during his closing remarks, linked the use of PPE with the rituals we need to carry out while working in the sector. “PPE just not take care of your health but also brings a change in society in perception of looking into sanitation workers. The sanitation workers should voice their opinion for safety, health and dignity to concerned authorities and seek the facilities from those and serve in essential public services.”

A certificate of appreciation was presented for their active participation in the training.