The brick-kiln (BK) sector in Nepal is largely an informal sector. This study investigated the influence of working and living conditions (WLCs) in BKs on productivity at two levels – BK level and workers’ level – using primary data collected from 781 workers and 80 BK entrepreneurs in 12 districts of Nepal. WLCs were assessed based on the provision of nine amenities to workers at BKs. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that WLCs have a positive influence on both BK level as well as workers’ level productivity. Moreover, large BKs with better investment in zig-zag technology and mechanization are more likely to spend on improving WLCs than small BKs, who are reluctant to invest in WLCs due mainly to a lack of financial resources. The study suggests an integrated approach emphasizing equally improved WLCs and cleaner technology in the BK sector to transform it into a healthier and socio-environmentally responsible industry.

尼泊尔的砖窑 (BK) 部门主要是一个非正规部门。本研究使用从尼泊尔 12 个地区的 781 名工人和 80 名 BK 企业家收集的原始数据，调查了 BK 的工作和生活条件 (WLC) 在两个层面（BK 层面和工人层面）对生产力的影响。WLC 根据向 BK 的工人提供九种便利设施进行评估。相关和回归分析表明，WLC 对 BK 水平和工人的生产率水平都有积极影响。此外，在之字形技术和机械化方面有更好投资的大型 BK 比小型 BK 更有可能花钱改善 WLC，后者主要由于缺乏财务资源而不愿投资 WLC。