Social Impact

Social impact includes the effects of engineering activities and processes of the factory on its workers,
consumers, local communities and public agencies (e.g.: CEB, CWA). In this section, both positive and
negative social impacts of Palmar Limitée will be identified and we will discuss how they can be
improved.

Social impact on workers

Palmar Limitée has about 6000 workers and approximately half of them are Mauritian staff. The migrant
workers come from countries such as Bangladesh, China and South Africa. The different sections
available at Palmar Limitée are office, laboratory, manufacturing and security.

Health and Safety:

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005, all companies, industries and factories must
provide their workers protection against risk and hazards that can occur at work.

Palmar Limitée has employed a health and safety officer who ensures that all employees including him
are getting adequate precaution, training and equipment while working in the factory.

Health and Safety aspects of Palmar Limitée:

1. Every worker is given appropriate working space which is 11 cubic meters. Since the factory’s
workplace is big each employee gets more than 11cubic meters workspace and moreover they
move around in the factory without disturbing others form doing their work.
2. According to law, if noise level is above 85 dB appropriate safety equipment such as ear
protections should be provided. Although the factory noise level is approximately 80 dB the
employees are encouraged to wear ear protections so that if ever the noise level of the factory
increases they will not have any health issues. All safety equipment is provided to every worker
by the company.
3. In the dyeing section chemicals such as sodium hydroxide is used. The amount of chemicals used
is monitored very closely by the health and safety officer so that the workers in this section do
not get contaminated. People who are exposed continuously to high concentration of sodium
hydroxide often get respiratory problems, hence these workers are provided with regular chest
check-ups.
4. Every year Palmar Limitée employs new employees and these new workers are not aware of the
necessary procedures that must be performed during an emergency. For example if there is a
leakage of toxic gas in the factory, the new worker will not know where and which gathering
point to go. Hence, all workers are provided with risk assessment training each year.
5. The factory uses the latest technology in term of machinery. All equipment used is ergonomic
particularly in the assembly section, so as to prevent the employees from having repetitive
strain injuries.
6. In the dyeing and washing section, workers are exposed to chemicals. If ever the chemical gets
into a person eye, there is emergency eyewash available.
 7. A factory is a place where injury, illness or fatigue can occur any time. In case of these incidents
first aid is given by the company and proper treatment is continued at the hospital.
8. Hazard Boards and signs are present in every part of the factory to make the worker aware of
the risks and dangers present. These boards are also used to tell the employees what
precautions should be taken.

Improvements:

1. The factory has a bad water drainage system. In the dyeing and washing section water is split all
over the floor. Workers can slip over the water and get various injuries or worst they can get
electrocuted since many high voltage electrical machines are present. Proper water drainage
systems should be built to avoid these accidents.
2. Wild dogs are present in the factory. Dogs are easily frightened by noise and Palmar Limitée is a
factory where unexpected noisy incidents always happen. Therefore these dogs can attack the
workers. MSPCA should be informed so that necessary actions are taken.
3. Old wooden stairs of the factory can break if it is subjected to heavy loads. New staircases of
more robust material (aluminium) should be built.
4. A better ventilation system should be provided to the staff, because there is a shortage of fan in
the working area and most of those present do not function any more.

Benefit of working at Palmar Limitée

1. Palmar Limitée organises staff sales regularly, in which staff can buy clothes manufactured in the
factory at lower price than that of the market.
2. Transport facility is given to every worker. Since the factory is located far from the main road,
the workers do not have to walk from the bus stop to the factory.
3. Palmar Limitée has a football ground for his staff.
4. There is a snacks shop in the factory’s yard.
5. National pension fund, medical insurance, sick leave and load facilities are also provided to
every worker.
6. Accommodation for non-Mauritian staff is also provided.

Improvement:

To motivate the staff, Palmar Limitée can organise football tournament.

Social Impact on Consumers

Palmar Limitée is a one stop shop which is specialised in the design and production of cloth. Most of its
products are exported to Europe and South Africa.

Actually Palmar Limitée has the certifications of Gots and Fair trade.

Benefit for consumers:

1. Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certifies that the organic fibres used are ecological and
will not harm the human body.
2. Fair Trade ensures that the factory products are sold at reasonable price.
 3. At Palmar Limitée before using a new dye, tests are performed in the factory’s laboratory to
guarantee that the dye will not have any negative effects on man.
4. When consumer demands a specific colour, a series of tests are performed at different light
level to make sure that the cloth is of the demanded colour.

Local Communities
Palmar Limitée of Rivere Du Rempart is located far from habitation, therefore its industrial activities has
no effects on the local communities. All dyed water waste is recyclable and the waste products are eco-
friendly.

Most of the Mauritian employees at Palmar Limitée are from the local areas. On Sundays, people in the
locality are allowed to use the playground.
 Football Playground

Snacks shop

Old wooden
stairs
 Wild dogs

Echo friendly waste

Recycling of dye
water
water split on the floor

Eyewash
er