Title: Environmental and health impact of small garages and workshops: a case study based on Sri Lanka

Authors: R. Pathberiya; S.W.S.B. Dasanayaka; Omar Al Serhan; H. Roudaina

Addresses: LTL Transformers (Pvt) Ltd., No. 154/11, Angulana Station Road, Moratuwa, 10400, Sri Lanka ' Department of Industrial Management, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka ' Faculty of Business, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE ' Faculty of Business, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abstract: This paper assesses the impact of small garages and workshops on the employees and the people who live near them. We interviewed various stakeholder living nearby in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka and asked them to complete a structured questionnaire. Furthermore, 36 small garages and workshops were randomly selected. Data results showed that the use of personal safety equipment and standards were very poor. Results also showed that a high percentage of environmental damage was due to waste generated by the industry. Soil, water, noise and air were all being polluted by the daily operations of these small workshops. People living in the vicinity are at a great health risk. The findings and policies recommended in this study in order to take the necessary precautions to bring down the levels of carcinogens in the small garages and work places, where individuals share space and work long hours.

Keywords: health; environmental; hazard; garages; informal sector; small workshops; Sri Lanka.

DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2017.092713

Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal, 2017 Vol.11 No.4, pp.314 - 342

Accepted: 04 Dec 2017
Published online: 28 Jun 2018 *

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