Study of occupational health and wellbeing of Glass Manufacturing unit workers: An ergonomic approach
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Date
2019-08
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G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand)
Abstract
The workers of glass manufacturing industries are exposed to physical, psychological, ergonomic, chemical hazards and heat-stress, which is responsible for poor health and wellbeing. The present study was designed to investigate occupational health and wellbeing of glass manufacturing unit workers. The study was carried out in glass manufacturing unit of UP with sample size of 120 workers (descriptive study) and 30 blowers (experimental study). Observations revealed that the mean age of workers was 32.125+7.67yr. Majority have low SES (55.83%) and 1-3yr job experience (33%), reported incidences of pain(91.66%), redness(32.50%), burns(17.50%), cut/laceration (15.83%) etc. as evidence of occupational health hazards. The range of WERA score was 28-44 for all activities. NOAA heat index was 84°F (morning), 87°F(afternoon), and 92°F(evening). WBGT-In was 32.29+1.42°C. Heat stress symptoms reported were rise in body temperature (96.66%), heavy sweating (94.16%), skin hot and dry red face (87.50%), weakness and fatigue (80.83%), headache (61.67%) and dehydration(57.50%). Major respiratory problems were cough (49.17%), body ache (38.33%) and chest pain (32.50%).Positive and significant correlation was found between FEV1(r=0.402), PEFR(r=0.387) and weight. Among experimental and control group, significant difference was found for the means values of FEV1 % predicted (0.032) and FEF 25-75% measured(0.003) and FEF 25-75% predicted % (0.018) at 5% level of significance and also noteworthy variation was found in FEV1 measured(0.026), FEV1 predicted(0.016), FEF25-75 measured(0.018), FEF25-75 predicted(0.047) at 5 % level of significance among these group. Major discomfort regions revealed in body map were wrist (37.50%), lower back (30.83%) and knee (27.50%) and common symptoms were pain (52.50%) and tingling (19.17%).Significant difference between task performed and the discomfort level was found in neck (21.9 at 1%), hand/wrist (24.428 at 1%), shoulder(13.85 at 5%) and lower back(17.01 at 5%). The flexion, extension and TROM for cervical and thoracic region was 34°,17°,33° and 28°,16°,26° respectively. The percentage change in grip strength for right and left hand was 1.22 percent and 0.23 percent respectively. Perceived level of workplace wellbeing was good (52.50%), positively and significantly correlated with workers feeling about work and working environment(r=0.689), work climate (r=0.733), physical environment’s quality and safety (r=0.713). The physiological work load was moderate to heavy. WPAI questionnaire calculated absenteeism (7.5%), presenteeism (27%), worker’s productivity loss (18.33%) and activity impairment (43.67%). A sensitization session was organized for the workers regarding worksite health risk and coping strategies. This study suggests improved design of chair for minimizing health risk and encouraging workplace wellbeing.