Occupational Health Hazards Faced By Unskilled Women Working At Construction Site
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Date
2012
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PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
Abstract
Present study was conducted with an objective to study work and working conditions, extent of occupational health hazards faced thereof and to develop and implement an educational intervention for ensuring same of women engaged as unskilled labourers at construction sites in Ludhiana city. Survey was conducted on randomly selected 80 such women using both objective and subjective research tools. Result revealed that their attire was hazardous as they wore synthetic sarees, unstable headgear and no shoe ware. All were engaged in unskilled work: load carriers, sorting and washing bricking or mixing concrete cement. There were no facilities for child care and refreshments at work site, no privacy to pass urine, and faced gender-biased issues too. Major risk factors perceived by them were: uneven and muddy ground, unsupported and steep ladders, and obstructed pathways, polluted air and water, noise, unhygienic and stinking surroundings. They perceived repetitive and strenuous nature of job, hazardous workplace and bad work posture also risk factors along with lack of medical facilities and safety measures. Incidences of Sun burn, sun stroke, dehydration, cough/chest infection, sore throat, skin allergies, boils, stomach ailments, contagious diseases, musculoskeletal disorders (repetitive strain injury, cramps, cervical and low back pain); and reproductive hazards (UTI, miscarriage and premature deliveries) were also high. Respondents reported skin abrasion, falls, slips, trips, crushing and pinching of body parts, burns, sprains, cuts, bleeds and swelling of body parts in recent past. Extent of occupational hazards was perceived to be very severe in the areas of work, worker and work place.
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Keywords
worker, work place