Gendered Perspectives on Occupational  Health and Safety: An Analysis from Bhutanese  Workplaces

Phuntsho Dendup; Tshering Norbu; Pelden Wangchuk; Tshering Yangden

Phuntsho Dendup Department of Labour, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Thimphu, Bhutan.
Tshering Norbu Physiotherapy, Department of physiotherapy, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
Pelden Wangchuk Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan.
Tshering Yangden Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan.

Keywords: Gender, OHS, Gender-Based Harm, MSDS, Gender and Vulnerability, Workplace Incident, Safety Climate

Abstract

Background: This mixed-methods study investigates gendered perspectives on occupational health and safety (OHS) in Bhutanese workplaces, addressing the limited research on gender disparities in this context.
Methods: Employing a cross-sectional design, quantitative data were collected from a sample of 356 employees of private, corporate, government, international organisations, and NGOs via online and in person surveys. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics including chi-square tests and t tests.
Results: The findings on the gender-based harm, the majority of workers reported experiencing discrimination (9.6%) compared to other harms. Notably, women experienced harassment at a higher rate (63.6%),
while men faced discrimination more frequently (61.8%). Analysis of organisational commitment to OHS indicated lower commitment levels in government organisations compared to corporate entities and NGOs. Women reported higher exposure to chemical hazards (28.0%) and physical violence (31.6%), while men faced greater exposure to dust (84.0%), noise (70.3%), and ergonomic hazards (80.0%). Additionally, sexual harassment was reported at a higher rate among women (66.7%), underscoring the influence of gender on workplace hazards. Analysis of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) showed a higher prevalence among
men. The most common MSDs experienced were back pain (25%), foot pain (15%), and shoulder pain (13%). About 37.5% of workers perceive MSDs as job-related.
Conclusion: The study concludes that gender disparities in OHS experiences are prevalent in Bhutanese workplaces, necessitating the development of gender-sensitive OHS frameworks, improved reporting mechanisms, and targeted interventions to address sector-specific challenges. Limitations
include potential response bias and gender imbalance in the sample.

How to cite this article:
Dendup P, Norbu T, Wangchuk P, Yangden
T. Gendered Perspectives on Occupational
Health and Safety: An Analysis from Bhutanese
Workplaces. Int J Preven Curat Comm Med.
2024;10(3&4):7-10.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2454.325X.202410

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