Occupational injuries among building construction workers in Mangalore, India: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The construction industry is one of the hazardous industries in the world. Injuries that are taking place in the construction sector are one of the significant public health problems, and this can be prevented if appropriate measures are taken. AIM: This study aimed to identify the pattern and factors associated with occupational injuries. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted in building construction sites located in Mangalore city in Dakshina Kannada district. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research was carried out in 19 construction sites located in Mangalore during the period between January and April 2017. A total of 576 respondents were selected using multistage sampling techniques. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the information using the interview method. The inferential test, such as Chi-square test, and the likelihood test were used to find the associations and odds ratio, and its 95% confidence interval was obtained.P RESULTS: Occupational injuries during 12 months were reported by 36.28% of the workers. The most common body parts injured were lower limb (48.3%) and upper limb (17.7%). The majority of injuries were abrasions (73.6%) and cuts (24.4%). Age, work experience, and various other risk factors were significantly associated with occupational injuries. CONCLUSION: Attention should be given to reduce the occurrence of accidents in the construction industry. Occupational health and safety training should be provided to the workers to raise the awareness of occupational hazards, which will help to reduce the injuries.