ObjectiveOccupational hazards is an area where many countries have begun to pay more emphasis as it affects the health of many particularly in developing countries. However, documented literature is scarce in this regard although occupational hazards are common in workplaces. The study was carried out with the objective of describing the physical hazards and control measures adopted in the formal medium and large-scale industrial sector in Sri Lanka.ResultsOf the 69 units of the 25 factories, physical hazards detected in the workplaces were; excessive noise (78.3%), poor light (58%), increased temperature (65.2%), and poor ventilation (68.1%). Over 50% of large machinery and 33% of medium-scale machinery were not adequately guarded. Nearly 41% of the machinery were difficult to operate, of them 36.2% had controls in positions which were hard to reach. Of safety measures adopted, only 34.8% had proper demarcation of areas with 28.9% displaying safety signs. Housekeeping was poor in 59.4% and less than 40% had safe storage of raw materials and end products.

Background: Street food sector plays an important role in urban areas of many developing countries in catering to the needs of the urban population. Contamination of ready to eat food and beverages sold by street food vendors rendering them unacceptable for human consumption has become a global problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of providing a health educational programme in improving knowledge related to food safety on street food vendors.Methods: Study used a quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test design. Evaluation instruments consisted of a questionnaire and a checklist. A total number of 427 street food vendors were included. A visual educational intervention was developed to provide training to all vendors in the intervention area. The study areas covered were method of food contamination, personal hygiene, safe food handling of potentially hazardous street vended food and time temperature control.Results: The results of the pre intervention survey showed that the baseline knowledge was poor. Vendors had unfavorable views particularly towards available facilities and support services. It was revealed that over 50% of the study population had received information on safe food handling though public health inspectors. Post intervention showed knowledge had improved significantly in the intervention group in all subject areas, when compared to control group (p<0.001).Conclusions: Health education intervention was effective in improving knowledge of the street food vendors in safe food handling practices and food borne disease prevention.