FNCCI hosts workshop on occupational safety and health in tea and cardamom industries

KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) successfully organised a national dissemination workshop on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in the tea and cardamom industries, on Monday. The event held in Kathmandu aimed to enhance awareness and advocate for improved safety standards in these sectors.

The programme began with a warm welcome from the host, followed by introductions of the attendees and an overview of the event’s objectives. FNCCI Vice President (Associate) Jyotsana Shrestha delivered the inaugural speech, emphasising the critical health and safety challenges in the industry and the need for effective safety management to protect workers.

Bandana Aryal, National Programme Coordinator of the International Labour Organization (ILO), expressed gratitude to FNCCI for addressing this critical issue. She highlighted the ILO's commitment to providing technical support and urged the government to prioritise occupational health and safety in the sector.

Under Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, Dumbar Sunuwar, delivered a thought-provoking address on the precarious nature of employment in Nepal. He reflected on the challenges faced by workers both at home and abroad, stating, "There is a dilemma whether a job is for life or life is for the job. Many workers say that going abroad may be dangerous, but staying here is like dying a slow death every day. This underscores how serious our employment conditions are." Sunuwar’s insights called for immediate action to address these pressing issues.

Dinesh Prasad Sah, an OSH expert, delivered an informative presentation, emphasising the motto ‘safety first’ and warning of the potential hazards faced by workers. He noted the alarming statistic that almost 500 individuals from the same district had developed cancer due to exposure to unsafe conditions in industrial settings.

The workshop concluded with a lively Q&A session, where participants from the Everest Large Cardamom Association and Nepal Tea Producers Association shared their experiences. Representatives from the Department of Labour and Occupational Safety also discussed the significance of OSH in Nepal’s labour landscape.

In his closing remarks, Babu Kaji Karki, FNCCI Executive Committee member and Employers Council Co-Chairperson, thanked all attendees for their participation and reiterated FNCCI’s commitment to advancing occupational safety and health standards in Nepal’s tea and cardamom industries.