Prevalence of occupational injury and its contributing factors among rubber tappers in Galle, Sri Lanka

Stankevitz, Kayla; Staton, Catherine A.; Schoenfisch, Ashley L.; Silva, Vijitha De; Tharindra, Hemajith; Stroo, Marissa; Østbye, Truls

doi:10.1080/10773525.2016.1247026

Cited by 4 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…There were 3 studies that focused on psychosocial risk factors, such as lack of control and high demands, and their association with health [ 26 , 32 , 39 ]. Some studies investigated the lack of knowledge and awareness of occupational safety and health risks on the part of workers and employers [ 16 , 17 , 20 , 30 ] and poor safety practices such as the non-completion of safety training and non-use of personal protective equipment at work [ 17 , 20 , 25 , 29 , 36 ]. These are actions at the micro level that can help identify and mitigate occupational exposures, hazards, and risk factors in the workplaces.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

How does informal employment affect health and health equity? Emerging gaps in research from a scoping review and modified e-Delphi survey

Lee

Ruggiero

2022

Int J Equity Health

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Introduction This article reports on the results from a scoping review and a modified e-Delphi survey with experts which aimed to synthesize existing knowledge and identify research gaps on the health and health equity implications of informal employment in both low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs). Methods The scoping review included peer-reviewed articles published online between January 2015 and December 2019 in English. Additionally, a modified e-Delphi survey with experts was conducted to validate our findings from the scoping review and receive feedback on additional research and policy gaps. We drew on micro- and macro-level frameworks on employment relations and health inequities developed by the Employment Conditions Knowledge Network to synthesize and analyze existing literature. Results A total of 540 articles were screened, and 57 met the eligibility criteria for this scoping review study, including 36 on micro-level research, 19 on macro-level research, and 13 on policy intervention research. Most of the included studies were conducted in LMICs while the research interest in informal work and health has increased globally. Findings from existing literature on the health and health equity implications of informal employment are mixed: informal employment does not necessarily lead to poorer health outcomes than formal employment. Although all informal workers share some fundamental vulnerabilities, including harmful working conditions and limited access to health and social protections, the related health implications vary according to the sub-groups of workers (e.g., gender) and the country context (e.g., types of welfare state or labour market). In the modified e-Delphi survey, participants showed a high level of agreement on a lack of consensus on the definition of informal employment, the usefulness of the concept of informal employment, the need for more comparative policy research, qualitative health research, and research on the intersection between gender and informal employment. Conclusions Our results clearly identify the need for more research to further understand the various mechanisms through which informal employment affects health in different countries and for different groups of informal workers.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

How does informal employment affect health and health equity? Emerging gaps in research from a scoping review and modified e-Delphi survey

Lee

Ruggiero

2022

Int J Equity Health

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“…The present study findings were in line with a study among rubber tappers in Sri Lanka, where 65% of participants reported MSS in the last 12 months, and the low back (43%) was the most affected region. 23 Another study conducted among rubber tappers in Thailand reported that 53% of the respondents had low back pain during the previous three months. 24 A study conducted among tea leaf pluckers in Tamil Nadu, India, reported that MSS in the last 12 months were 83.6%, and the most affected body region was the shoulders (59%).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Plantation Workers in Kerala, India

Sharma

Thulaseedharan

2022

Int J Occup Saf Health

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Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is one of the major occupational health problems worldwide. Musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) can indicate an underlying MSD. This paper assesses the prevalence of MSS among different plantation workers in Kerala, India. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to February 2021 among 83 rubber tappers, 90 cardamom plantation workers, and 87 tea pluckers (N=260). The Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) was used to capture the MSS. MSS was compared across the three types of plantation workers, and the Chi-square test was used to test the significance. The Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were estimated using binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of MSS (any regions) in the last 12 months among all participants was 87.7% and did not significantly vary between the three groups of workers. In general, the most affected regions were the low back (61%), one or both knees (47%) and shoulders (44%), respectively. Compared to rubber tappers, the odds of MSS in hips/ thighs (adjusted OR=2.38: 95% CI: 1.17-4.84) and wrists (adjusted OR=3.77: 95% CI:1.85-7.69) were significantly high among cardamom plantation workers. But the odds of MSS in elbows (adjusted OR=0.58: 95% CI: 0.31-1.07) and knees (adjusted OR=0.26:95% CI: 0.10-0.63) were low in the tea plantation workers as compared to rubber tappers. Conclusion: Though there was no variation in the overall prevalence of MSS between the three groups, there was a significant variation between the groups regarding the MSS in different body regions. Using supportive aids according to the nature of work and doing simple stretching exercises during breaks may help to improve the musculoskeletal health of plantation workers.

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“…A study on prevalence of work-related eye injuries among rubber tappers in Sri Lanka quotes ocular injuries as the second major work-related injury and only 58% took (5) consultation for it . The study also states poor vision as an important barrier the rubber tappers face.…”

Section: Dr Biju Gopalmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Good vision is crucial to this group to prevent injuring themselves. Almost 26% of study participants reported poor vision as a barrier to (5) their efficiency . As age increases, vision may become worse, exacerbating this issue.…”

Section: Dr Biju Gopalmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It includes carrying heavy loads, navigating through rough terrain, using sharp tools, and handling chemicals. Yet, very little research is available about (5) occupational injury among this small vulnerable population . After the collection of the latex from the rubber trees, rubber is coagulated with formic acid, which creates crumbs that are (6) similar to curds of milk.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Ocular Diseases and Injuries Among Rubber Tappers in a Rural Area in Kanya Kumari

Gopal

Isaac

Shankar

et al. 2021

PIJR

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Rubber tapping is a major occupation in Kanya Kumari district and it significantly adds to the economy of the country. There are nearly 126 rubber-based industries recognized by the District Industries Centre (DIC), providing employment to 1874 people'' .This study aims at analyzing the prevalence and risk factors associated with ocular injuries and diseases among rubber tappers in a rural area in Kanya Kumari. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To assess the prevalence of ocular diseases and injuries in rubber tappers related to their occupation 2. To evaluate the risk factors associated with ocular diseases and injuries among rubber tappers METHODS: Rubber tappers attending the Ophthalmology Out-Patient department in Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences between 1.10.2020 to 30.11.2020 were evaluated for ocular injuries and diseases.A detailed history was obtained and ocular complaints were analyzed. After a thorough systemic and ocular examination, data was collected. The collected data were analyzed. RESULTS: The study was conducted for a time period of 2 months. Data was collected from all the rubber tappers attending the ophthalmology OPD in Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences. A total of 48 patients were evaluated. Among which 17 had foreign body exposure, 4 had corneal abrasion, 1 had fungal corneal ulcer, 16 had cataracts, 7 had refractive error,3 had pterygium. CONCLUSION: Occupation -related injuries are common amidst rubber tappers. The population dependent on this occupation is way too high to be left unattended or their health conditions ignored. The results obtained in this study throws light on the importance of awareness that needs to be advocated among employers and employees involved in rubber plantation and tapping. The use of protective eye goggles and other safety precautions must be propagated among the workers. The rubber tappers must be alerted about the consequences of ignoring safety precautions, specifically how it may lead to severe morbidity, sometimes even loss of vision.They must also be advised to undergo ophthalmic examination whenever necessary and on regular basis,as poor vision due to aging or even physiological refractive errors itself may lead to injuries due to compromised eyesight. After conducting this study,we came to the conclusion that the consciousness of the morbidity that may occur due to poor safety measures at work among the rubber tappers is nearly a flat line. Hence creating awareness and educating them regarding this becomes indispensable.

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Prevalence of occupational injury and its contributing factors among rubber tappers in Galle, Sri Lanka

Cited by 4 publications

References 31 publications

How does informal employment affect health and health equity? Emerging gaps in research from a scoping review and modified e-Delphi survey

How does informal employment affect health and health equity? Emerging gaps in research from a scoping review and modified e-Delphi survey

Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Plantation Workers in Kerala, India

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Ocular Diseases and Injuries Among Rubber Tappers in a Rural Area in Kanya Kumari

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