Occupational respiratory and auditory disorders among workers of agricultural equipment factory in Tanta city, Gharbia governorate

Abstract

Background: Metal equipment industry is consistently identified as having a high rate of serious health problems over the years within the broader Manufacturing industry. Objectives:The aim of this study was to identify occupational respiratory and auditory disorders among workers, and to assess the level of safety measures applied in Tanta Motors Factory in Tanta City, Gharbia governorate. Subjects and Methods:The study was a cross-sectional study, started from October 2021 up to June 2022 in Tanta Motors company. The study included 120 male workers. An interview questionnaire was filled to collect required data. The Occupational Safety and Health Inspection Checklist (2016) was used and filled out by the researcher to check safety measures available and applied in the workplace environment. Results:The most used PPE among study group workers were overshoes (100%) followed by aprons (85%). Also, more than half of them were using gloves (58.3%). The most prevalent respiratory symptoms among workers were cough (41.7%), Dyspnea (31.7%), wheeze (25%) sputum (14.2%). The most prevalent nasal symptom was sneezing among more than half of exposed group workers (54.2%) auditory symptoms with the most prevalent symptom among exposed group was hearing difficulty (66.7%). Conclusion:Working in agricultural equipment metal industries was associated with high prevalence of chest manifestations and hearing impairment. Recommendations: Regular inquiry of workers about arising hazards in work environment, and barriers or difficulties regarding use of PPE as earmuff or plug and any arising problem from its use. Well established accurate health records of workers, so those at risk can be monitored.