Ocular morbidity patterns among metal workers from an unorganized sector: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: The metal working process has many hazards that the metal workers are exposed to resulting in several health disorders and diseases. However, there is a lack of documented information regarding the prevalence of ophthalmic safety practices and the factors influencing them among metal workers in the Moradabad region or the study area. The aim of the present study is to assess ocular morbidity patterns among the metal workers from an unorganized sector. Methods: We conducted this study to find out the morbidity patterns among the metal workers working in Northwestern Uttar Pradesh, district Moradabad. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 metal workers using a pre-validated structured questionnaire. Results: All the metal workers working, without any formal eye health and safety training. Eye Injury was the most common problem at work. The age of the metal workers, duration of employment & welding hours per day were associated with ocular morbidities among the metal workers. In this study, among 100 metal workers, 18% of workers were suffering from an occupational eye injury. 98% metal workers population don’t have any personal protective eye device.86% of them feel this protective eye device is not so necessary. Conclusion: There is a need for occupational health safety awareness services for metal workers in Moradabad as well as in Uttar Pradesh. While further research may be required to make policy recommendations, the current study provides a baseline morbidity burden among these mental workers to look for interventions to promote health and safety at work for this neglected unorganized group.