Morbidity Profile of Workers in Scissors Manufacturing Industries in a City in Northern India

Abstract

Introduction: The Meerut Scissors Industry clusters into 300 small-scale units employing around 6000 people. Meerut artisans manufacture scissors for tailors, barbers, paper and bangle designers. The working environment and living conditions of the scissors manufacturing workers are poor and often hazardous to their health leading to many serious illnesses. Thus a study was conducted to assess the morbidity profile of workers in Scissors manufacturing small scale industries in Meerut, UP. Study objective was to assess the morbidity profile of workers in Scissors Manufacturing Industries in Meerut, UP Material and Methods: It was a community based, crosssectional study conducted among 300 workers from Scissors manufacturing industries of urban slum, Meerut. They were randomly selected from every division of industry. Study was conducted using a pre-designed, pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule in Hindi. Socio-demographic profile and Health status was assessed by asking questions regarding their health problems followed by clinical examination by a physician. Data was compiled and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and the results were expressed as proportions. Results: Among the total 300 workers, all were males, 78% were<45 years of age, 96% Muslims, 70% illiterates, 88% married, 70% were from upper lower class, 85% workers reported history of smoking and 22% used alcohol. 79% were assessed with respiratory disorders which included 40% persistent cough, 28% asthma, 05% tuberculosis, 4% allergies of Respiratory Tract and 02% COPD. Other prevalent morbidities included musculoskeletal disorders (45%), skin diseases (15%), eye problems (10%) and noise induced hearing loss(4%). Conclusion: In this study various morbidities were detected, especially the high prevalence of respiratory and musculoskeletal problems which is alarming. Thus there is a need for sustained interventions towards health and safety of the workers in order to develop a safe working environment.

Health profile of workers in an industrial area of Thrissur district: a cross-sectional study

“…20 In the study from Uttar Pradesh, 10% of workers had the same. 21 The higher occurrence of the refractory error in the present study may be attributed to poor working conditions, which requires further investigation. It indicates the need for vision screening during the pre-placement and periodic medical examination.…”

“…The burden of tuberculosis was lesser than study conducted in Uttar Pradesh (5%). 21 Hepatitis E is transmitted principally via contaminated drinking water. Hepatitis E outbreaks can be prevented among industrial workers by maintaining quality standards for drinking water supplies and by establishing proper disposal of human faeces.…”