IJCM_401A: Study of patterns and associated factors of occupational injuries among the people seeking health care in the urban area of Mangalore

Abstract

Background: Injuries occurring at the workplace are among the most important health concerns these days. This study was done to study the patterns of compensations available to those seeking health care for occupational injuries and to assess the level of implementation of occupational safety measures in their workplaces. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was undertaken in the hospitals affiliated to Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, and Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital, Mangalore included all adults who were seeking health care for occupational injuries during the study period. A pre-tested semi-structured proforma, which included employment details, working conditions, type/s of injuries, availability & utility of Personal Protective Devices, and Compensations availed for health reasons was used and the collected data were analysed using SPSS version 25. The results were expressed as proportions. To compare the groups, the Chi-square test was used and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study included 164 patients with a mean age of 38.6 years (SD: 9.85). Overall, 92.1% did not have any pre-employment training regarding PPEs applicable to their work. Also, 81.7% of the employers did not provide any PPEs. But among Government sector employees, 77.8% of their employers provided them with PPEs. The proportion was highest among Government employees when compared to others regarding the provision of PPEs. This difference across the groups was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Conclusion: High number of injuries at the workplace were related to the musculoskeletal system. Awareness and use of PPEs at the workplace were poor among the study population.