Organization and Hazards of Occupational Diseases among Women in Textile Crafts in the City of Ouagadougou

The textile crafts indisputably contribute to socio-economic and cultural development of Burkina Faso, mainly with the loincloth hand weaving. Its organization has now become one of the political priorities of governments and their partners of development. The aim of this study was to analyze the organization and health hazards of women who weave loincloths in Ouagadougou city. It is a qualitative study that was carried out from March to September 2018 in Ouagadougou. Interview survey and clinical examination were used to collect data from 103 subjects. The content analysis was carried out for data processing. It was found that the unit of family production and association grouping are the main forms of organization of the weaving of handcrafted loincloths. Technical and technological processes have not changed much and the family unit remains the base of production. It also showed that the hand weaver worked alone throughout the process from dyeing to fabric. She is exposed to chemical hazards and physical loads resulting in the development of occupational diseases such as skin problems and musculoskeletal and respiratory disorders. The results suggest the need for introduction of safety and health measures in the next actions of governments and its partners in textile crafts field. They also recommend prevention mechanisms based on bio-mechanical and psychological ergonomics analyses.