A two day’ workshop was organized 25-26 November, 2022, in Bishoftu town to disseminate exposure and occupational diseases research findings to key stakeholders.
Masters and PhD student’s research in the areas of dust, benzene, pesticides, mercury intoxication, injury and respiratory diseases were presented.
In addition, stakeholders discussed the opportunities and challenges of the national and regional organizational reform which restructured the former Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) to the Ministry of Labour and Skill (MoLS).
A panel discussion on how to strengthen partnerships in OSH research, training, and services in Ethiopia was also conducted.
As a way forward the panel agreed that MoLS should be a leading organization for the established task force represented by CETU, EEF, Addis Ababa University, ILO, OSH professionals’ association (EOSHPA and Workers Insurance Association for the preparation of the national occupational disease list and the National OSH Directive.
Stakeholders in the workshops
Key OSH service-providing stakeholders were participants and discussants in the workshop:
- The Ministry of Labour and Skill,
- Amhara Regional Employers and Employees Authority,
- Oromia Regional Bureau of Labour and Social Affairs,
- SNNPR Bureau of Labour and Social Affairs,
- Addis Ababa Bureau of Labour Enterprise and Industry,
- Associations of Insurance Companies,
- Ethiopian Insurance Organization,
- Ministry of Agriculture,
- Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions,
- Confederation of Ethiopian Employers,
- Ethiopian Horticulture Producers and Exporter Associations,
- Public Servant Social Security Agency,
- International Labour Organization (ILO) and
Presentation and discussion points in the workshops
Opening Remark
Dr Samson Wakuma gave the opening speech to participants on behalf of the Dean of the School of Public Health.
Five NORHED-sponsored master’s students presented their research findings to the audience.
Dr Teferi Abegaz chaired masters’ graduates’ research findings presentations.
Presentation on Master’s graduate research dissemination
The presentation titles are as follows:
- Cement dust exposure and respiratory health
- Wood dust exposure and respiratory health
- Benzene exposure and respiratory health
- Mercury intoxication in mining
- Occupational injury in liquor
PhD research finding dissemination
Meaza Gezu, who will defend her PhD thesis shortly, presented her research findings to the audience. The presentation, titled “Pesticide exposure and workers health in flower farm” was followed by an engaging discussion with a reflection by a representative from the Ministry of Agriculture and Ethiopian Horticulture Producers and Exporters Associations. Dr Abera Kumie chaired the Ph.D. student presentation.
Presentation on Knowledge Translation in Occupational Health Research and Application
Another presentation on the topic “Knowledge Translation in Occupational Health Research and Application” was presented by Dr Yifokire Tefera. After the presentation, a strategic discussion was done on the role of stakeholders in creating occupational health research knowledge and how to disseminate occupational health research findings to users in future studies.
The Way Forward
On the final day, panelists from the government, the confederation of the workers union, employers, and research or academia presented their current engagement and views on future direction. The importance of partnership and collaboration among stakeholders in occupational health research was underlined.
Finally, the formation of a task force was proposed. The core members of the task force consist of MoLS, CETU, CEEF, Workers Compensation, MoH, University, ILO and EOSHPA and other stakeholders to be considered as supportive partners. It was decided that the Ministry of Labour and Skills should organize and lead the task force. Dr Yifokire Tefera moderated the panel discussion and the way forward session.
To sum up, the workshop was an important forum for all participants to learn from each other and to network. All participants showed their commitment to working together to improve OSH service in the country.
