Awareness of workplace hazards and preventive measures among sandstone mineworkers in Rajasthan, India: A cross-sectional study
Journal Title: Journal of Health and Social Sciences - Year 2017, Vol 2, Issue 1
Abstract
Objective: Th e aim of this study was to assess awareness of workplace hazards and personal protective equipments (PPEs) among mineworkers employed in a sandstone quarry in Rajasthan, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 218 miners was conducted in Karauli, Rajasthan, India. We used a standardized semi-structured questionnaire that was administered to each subject by face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-square test were used to show frequency distributions and associations between variables. Results: Almost all respondents were aware of at least one hazard in mining occupation (93.6%), but no of them was trained by a recent (within 1 year) health and safety training course. However, mineworkers recognized only the risk of injury (74.3%) and exposure to crystalline silica dust (40.4%). A high percentage of mineworkers were aware of PPEs (87.6%), but an only 16.5% of them used PPEs during their employment. Th e only PPEs mentioned by mineworkers was the dust protective mask. Occurrence of at least one occupational injury during work-life was associated with use of dust masks, while work-related diseases were associated with a low level of education, underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 ), and current smoking. Awareness of workplace hazards was associated with age less than 60, young age of starting work in mines (< 30 years), hours work per day (< 8 hr), and no availability of drinking water facility. Failure to use PPEs at work was statistically signifi cant associated with belonging to scheduled castes or scheduled tribes, lower distance from home to workplace (1‒3 Km), hours work per day (< 8 hr), and no availability of safe drinking water. Discussion and Conclusion: In Rajasthan, India, there is a certain level of awareness about workplace hazards but usage of PPEs by sandstone mineworkers is very low. Policy makers should implement health and safety training programmes to promote use of PPEs among mine workers.
Authors and Affiliations
Absar Ahamd
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP216275
- DOI 10.19204/2017/wrns6
- Views 96
- Downloads 0
Sustaining reductions in postoperative nausea and vomiting after evidence-based practice initiative: A success story
Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains a signifi cant problem in the surgical population. Many researchers have demonstrated signifi cant reductions in institutional PONV when risk screening and ant...
Levofloxacin-induced visual hallucinations: A case report and review of the literature
A 52-year-old female, nonalcoholic, with no significant past medical history, was empirically treated with intravenous administration of levofloxacin (LVFX, 750 mg/day) for bronchopneumonia. On day 2, she reported seeing...
Complications of tattoos and tattoos removal: state-of-the-art in Italy
Introduction: Modern tattoo removal began as a science approximately 20 years ago, and relatively few advances have been made since then. The aim of this study is twofold: first, to review the complications of tattoos an...
A case of thyrotoxic paralysis caused by consumption of Iodocaseine
Acute hypokalaemic paralysis is a rare but treatable cause of acute limb weakness. Thyrotoxic paralysis is an uncommon, potentially life-threatening endocrine emergency and it is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism. T...
Home management of malaria among caregivers of under-five children in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria
Introduction: Home management of fever by caregivers is particularly relevant for ensuring effective care to under-five children in Sub-Saharan countries with high-transmission of malaria like Nigeria. Our study aimed to...