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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijfmp.0974.3383.11218.1

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational health hazards faced by this large and growing number of people depend on the region and its economic standing.

Aim: To study occupational health status of workers, causes and patterns of occupational injuries.

Materials and methods: It is a cross-sectional study in total of 100 workers who were examined at different construction sites and hazards were noted.

Results: It is being observed that most of the construction workers belong to the age group of 20-30 yrs. Male gender dominates construction workers. Distribution of the workers in different categories observed in this study was bricklayers 40% plumber 20%, painters 20%, stone cutters 6%, cleaners 6%, carpenters 4%, heavy machine operator 2%, truck driver 2%. The total injuries abrasions (56) contributed more. Site of injuries is categorized as upper extremities in 41 workers, lower 19 cases. Most of the injuries are afflicted in the evening hours followed by morning and afternoon. Accidents and the injuries occurred predominantly in the overtime’. Use of PPE was only in 4 cases and other 49 cases observed never used the PPE. 9 workers could get an immediate medical attention where 44 others could get first aid. 11 workers lost their daily wages and 42 others escaped from the loss of salary. The loss of daily wages ranged from 1 day to 5 days and the average of it being of daily wage loss per person.

Conclusions: There is need that the employers address all the potential risk factors at the workplace and educate employees on safe work practices and risk awareness.

Keywords: Occupational Health Hazards; Personal Protective Equipment; Occupational Injuries.

 

Corresponding Author : Ajay Patil, Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Demmed to be University, Karad, Dist. Satara, Malkapur, Maharashtra 415539 India.