Work environment and physical problems of women workers in hosiery industry
Loading...
Date
2014
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Abstract
Work environment and physical problems of women workers in hosiery industry of Ludhiana were studied using survey method on 120 and conducting experiments on 40 such women in 12 hosiery units. Cardiovascular responses, energy costs, physiological cost of work were assessed using scientific instruments and physical discomfort and exertion; using Rated Perceived Exertion Scale and Body Map. Results indicated that mostly respondents earned Rs. 1000-5000/pm, were employed part time, or on contract and mainly did finishing garment. Most women were employed through middleman, stayed in hosiery units for 8 hours and paid on ‘per piece’ basis. Major physical problems faced were eye strain, headache, back ache, cuts and numbness of fingers, cervical spondylitis, frozen shoulders, repetitive strain injuries, inhalation of wool fibres, allergies. Average working hours/day was 7.53, working days/ month 29.10, average area allotted for work 241 sq. ft. They worked in less light (374.02 lx), harsh temperature (16.11°C), 55.80% humidity and high noise (65.29 dB). There was an increase of 12.99% in heart rate of subjects after doing thread cutting, button stitching and hemming for 30 minutes. In diastolic pressure 2.43%, in systolic pressure 3.22%, and in energy expenditure 46.60% increase was recorded. Increase in total cardiac cost of work was 318.92 beats and physiological cost of work 10.63 beats/minute. Mean score of Rated Perceived Exertion was 2.1. So selected activities were rated as ‘medium exertion’. Maximum subjects experienced pain in lower arm and in shoulders, half of them in back and neck, and few complained of sore eyes.
Description
Keywords
Family Resource Management, women workers, Home Science Extension and Communication Management, hosiery industry, Work environment, physical problems