Work-related health problems in salt workers of Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Article W W W W Work-r ork-r ork-r ork-r ork-related health pr elated health pr elated health pr elated health pr elated health problems in salt workers oblems in salt workers oblems in salt workers oblems in salt workers oblems in salt workers of Rajasthan, India of Rajasthan, India of Rajasthan, India of Rajasthan, India of Rajasthan, India Abstract Background: About 20,000 men and women are engaged in the production of salt in Rajasthan alone, which is an important unorganized sector. The salt workers are exposed to adversities of environmental conditions as well as salt in the environment. There is a lack of information about their occupational health problems. Aims: The study aimed to identify work-related health problems experienced by the salt workers. Settings and Design: Data were collected in the health camps held near salt sites. Materials and Methods: Workers of salt manufacturing units were invited for their free health examination. Statistical Analysis: Analysis of the data was carried out using Epi-Info 2002 software. Results: Prevalence of ophthalmic symptoms was 60.7%, that of dermatological symptoms was 43.8% and symptoms like headache, giddiness, breathlessness, muscular and joint pains were experienced by 52.1% salt workers. The ophthalmic problems were most common, probably due to irritation by direct sunlight and its glare caused by salt crystals and brine as well as irritation caused by fine salt particles suspended in the air of the working environment. Traumatic ulcers, dermatitis, muscular and joint pains, headache and giddiness were other more common symptoms observed among the workers. Prevalence of hypertension was 12.0%. Conclusions: Looking at the large number of salt workers exposed to salt and facing occupational health problems, there is a need for developing a mechanism for prevention of these problems in them.

Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding work related hazards among salt workers in Marakkanam, Tamil Nadu

“…2 Only few studies have been conducted to assess the health status and KAP among salt workers. [2][3][4][5][6] In a study involving 205 salt workers in Rajasthan, it was found that the brine (concentrated salt water) workers had a fair knowledge of occupational health problems (98.7%) and protective measures (100%) as compared to non-brine workers for whom these figures were 89% and 85.8% respectively. 4 In our study, both brine and nonbrine workers were taken together as all of them were involved in both brine and non-brine work of salt production.…”

“…It is also evident from the review of literature that there are very few studies on salt workers. [3][4][5][6] This paper is on knowledge, attitude and practices regarding their work related hazards as well as the availability and use of Personal protective equipments.…”

A study of subjective visual disturbances in jewellery manufacturing

“…Studies had also shown that the workers of the electronics industries had suffered from visual discomforts (10). The workers engaged in salt production experienced visual problems such as eye redness, glare sensitivity, watery eyes, burning eyes, dimness of vision and photophobia (14). Jewellery manufacturing activity involves precision designs, setting the metal as well as the stones, polishing and filing.…”

Evaluating Overall Social and Health Status of Salt Workers in Experimental Salt Fields at Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India

“…Majority of the salt workers suffered from ophthalmic problems. However the prevalence of hypertension was 12.0% [6]. Case control study conducted by NIOH (National Institute of Occupational Health) on 2104 subjects of which including 1549 salt workers working at different salt sites in the little Rann of Kutch and 555 control subjects from the nearby villages suggested that the prevalence of skin and eye symptoms were significantly higher among the salt workers.…”