Abstract
Occupational risks have been classed as the tenth leading cause of morbidity and mortality and occupational skin diseases are important problem in the construction industries. Aim: The aim of this study is to understand the occupational health problems of construction workers engaged at large construction site in Kashmir. Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at a large scale construction site of a cement factory on outskirts of Srinagar.All workers (N=200) were enrolled as study subjects. Data was collected by the team consisting of investigators, doctors and social worker using a pre tested validated structured preformed. Result: Among 200 workers only 28.0% used protective measure and 70% had suffered with at least one form of disease. Among them different diseases were found in following percentages i.e. respiratory problems (45.7%), musculo-skelekal problems (32.8%), Dermatitis (78.6%), burn/scald (6.6%) and accidental injury (28.6%). Conclusion: Measures are needed to improve the work environment of construction workers by ensuring availability of protective gears, sanitation facilities at the sites along with an accessible, accountable occupational health services
Highlights
The construction industry is one of the world’s major industries
Among them different diseases were found in following percentages i.e. respiratory problems (45.7%), musculo-skelekal problems (32.8%), Dermatitis (78.6%), burn/scald (6.6%) and accidental injury (28.6%)
Construction workers in both are at a greater risk of developing certain health disorders and sickness than workers in many other industries
Summary
The construction industry is one of the world’s major industries. It is an essential contributor to the process of development. Being an unorganized sector the workforce is at risk of developing safety and health related hazards at work [1]. Construction workers in both are at a greater risk of developing certain health disorders and sickness than workers in many other industries. They are exposed to multiple physical, chemical and biological agents, which make them vulnerable to various health problems those include-injuries, respiratory problems, dermatitis, musculo-skeletal disorders and gastro-intestinal diseases. Apart from this, in most of construction projects the workers employed are unorganized in nature and often not guided by the legislations made for the health and welfare of the workers and are not eligible for free or subsidized care [2]
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