8 July 2013 | via Democracy & Workers Rights Center-Palestine

Workshop announces findings of a study on work conditions and circumstances in the petrochemical sector

On July 4th, 2013, DWRC held a workshop to announce the findings of a study on work conditions and circumstances of Palestinian workers in the petrochemical sector in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The research made various findings, such as:

  • More than 50% of the workers are not provided with descriptive cards or safety data about the chemical products used in manufacturing processes.
  • While 92% of the workers said that their factories have first aid boxes, 60% indicated that there is no one trained in first aid in their workplace.
  • Labor inspectors indicated that 44.4% of the factories in the study sample do not abide with safety requirements. 55% of the factories present chemical risks and 46% present mechanical risks. Furthermore, only 60% provide protective equipment to the workers.
  • About one fifth of workers have suffered from a work injury in their current job.
  • 44% of workers in the study sample have oral work agreements, and this percentage increases to 65% in the Gaza Strip, although written agreements provide a stronger guarantee for workers’ rights.

The workshop concluded with eight recommendations to the Ministry of Labor.

View full article on DWRC site here >>>