Brick manufacturing is a labor intensive informal industry using child workers as the major work force
in Nepal. Workers are required to use physical strength, carry heavy loads and remain in a squatted
posture for longer periods doing repetitive tasks posing threats to musculoskeletal system. This study
involved cross sectional study of children aged 17 years and below. The study respondent included
101 cases and 64 controls in Bhaktapur and 97 cases and 43 controls in Sarlahi. Lack of adequate
physical infrastructures, poor working conditions with non existent safety procedures have posed risk
to physical, metal and overall well being of children. The study identifies work related physical
ailments and discomforts dominate brick industries of Nepal. The musculoskeletal disorder related
pain and discomfort was experienced by 73 per cent of working children in Bhaktapur and 58 per cent
in Sarlahi. The odds ratio suggests that working children were 8 times more likely to experience
trouble or body pain compared to non-working children. This study finds that presence of inferior
physical environment, working conditions and practices has contributed to musculoskeletal injuries
and problems exposing working children to risks and hazards.