The use of highly toxic chemicals in the fields and pack-houses expose women workers to a wide range of environmental health hazards resulting in skin lesions, respiratory problems, cancers, miscarriages and giving birth to children with deformities. There is often a severe lack of adequate medical equipment, with women commonly having no access to essential services such as gynecology or breast examination. In the pack house women’s work tends to involve routine and monotonous tasks, which mean that they are working in cramped and hot conditions inside, standing for 8-14 hours per day at their packing lines. As a consequence other health problems include backache, repetitive motion injuries and varicose veins caused by cramped conditions and long periods of time standing in the pack-houses. In addition, violence against women has been noted as a public health issue affecting their abilities in the workplace.
End the Violence and Impunity in Guatemala -
18 Jun 08
18 June 2008
On March 2nd 2008, Miguel Angel Ramirez, founder of the new SITRABANSUR union on the Olga Maria plantation ...
Bulletin
Banana Trade News Bulletin -
The new issue of Banana Trade News Bulletin provides a comprehensive guide to the latest developments in the international banana trade.
The Decent Work, Decent Life campaign aims to build an international system of employment policy, based on solidarity and respect for people’s rights. Click on the image to read more on the Decent Work, Decent Life website.
The use of highly toxic chemicals in the fields and pack-houses expose women workers to a wide range of environmental health hazards resulting in skin lesions, respiratory problems, cancers, miscarriages and giving birth to children with deformities. There is often a severe lack of adequate medical equipment, with women commonly having no access to essential services such as gynecology or breast examination. In the pack house women’s work tends to involve routine and monotonous tasks, which mean that they are working in cramped and hot conditions inside, standing for 8-14 hours per day at their packing lines. As a consequence other health problems include backache, repetitive motion injuries and varicose veins caused by cramped conditions and long periods of time standing in the pack-houses. In addition, violence against women has been noted as a public health issue affecting their abilities in the workplace.
