Textile Industry Workers Research Articles

Feeding Precarity Between State and Capital: Women Workers and Breastfeeding in Cakung Manufacturing Industry

Women constitute the vital workforce in Indonesia's economy, particularly in sectors like garment, textile, and footwear. Despite their economic importance, these industries are characterised by excessive control, pressure, and violence, transforming women into cheap labour and limiting their lives both in the production and social reproduction realm. This study analyses how the discipline of factory work has implications for women workers in their care work, specifically in breastfeeding. Through a qualitative approach, this study uses focus group discussions (FGD) and interviews with women garment and textile industry workers in Kawasan Berikat Nusantara, North Jakarta. The study also analyses the state's response and position in child-feeding matters. The study shows how the regimented nature of factory work, which controls the energy, time, and bodies of women workers, coupled with the absence of job security and protection from the state, limit workers’ capacity to care for their families, particularly to breastfeed their children. Consequently, women workers have to switch to formula milk. I argue that the workers’ reliance on formula milk illustrates a form of neoliberalism in which the state subjugates women workers to the capitalist economy both in the realms of production and social reproduction, forcing them to live in a precarious condition. This potentially will cause health, nutrition, and other quality of life problems for mothers and children in the future.

Prevalence of Noise Induced Hearing Loss among the Textile Workers

Background: Noise remains a common environmental pollutant in industrial workplaces and has been a constant issue since the industrial revolution. Occupational hearing loss is the dominant cause of preventable sensorineural hearing loss in adults. The degree of NIHL is determined by intensity, duration of exposure, spectral characteristics of the noise, and individual susceptibility Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among theNassa Taipei Textile Mills Ltd. and Nassa Taipei Spinners Ltd in kachpur,Narayangonj.200 Textile workers aged from 18 to 50 years were recruited in this study. Study subjects were interviewed by trained data collector through a structured questionnaire. Environmental sound intensity level in various departments were measured using a sound level meter (Quest sound level meter, Oconomowoc WISCONSIN. Model no: 2400). Pure Tone Audiometry was done by pure tone clinical audiometer (KAMPLEX Audiometer, Model no: AC 30; Calibrated by P.C. Werth Limited in October 2004) with a frequency range of 125Hz to 8000Hzand sound intensity levels of between -10dB to 120dB was used to test each ear of the subject separately. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program version 26. Results: Out of 200 Textile workers whose were recruited in this study, 138(69%) were males and predominant age group was 18 to 27 years (54.5%). The prevalence of NIHL was found to be 14.5%. The most common age group was 28 to 37 years and positive association (p<.05) between hearing loss and long working hours. Non-user of PPD had little bit higher among the workers who developed hearing loss. Conclusion: The prevalence of NIHL was higher in textile industry workers. This suggests the need to provide protective gear to workers in stations generating loud noise. The prevalence was higher in male, those who experienced prolong exposure and not to used PPD. Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngology 2023; 29(2): 89-95

Post-Pandemic Challenges of Textile Industry Workers in India: Analysis of Social Security Laws of Select Asian Countries

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic ensued a challenging period for global health; however, the loss of livelihoods throughout the lockdown also led to a significant economic issue that warranted a reassessment of the existing socio-economic structures. Manufacturing lines were severely impeded, particularly in the Indian textile industry, the second-largest employer and labour-intensive industry. The initial lockdown did not provide manufacturers enough time to prepare for the impending catastrophe, compelling many to shut down their operations. The above circumstances highlighted the lack of resilient social security laws in India. Despite initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) scheme and other initiatives like grain distribution to families below the poverty line, lack of economic security came to the forefront. There is a need to have a competent social security legal framework in India to ensure economic stability for all that would fall in line with the noble ideas of the framers of the Constitution as enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy, the guiding light for all state action in India. India has not ratified the International Labour Organizations Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention of 1952. The focal area of the current research would be to look into the sufficiency of the legal framework (International and National) to protect the economic interests of the workers. The authors examine the following: 1. Examine the Code on Social Security, 2020 passed by the Indian legislature interpreting it in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on textile manufacturing in India along with other steps initiated by the government for the textile industry. 2. Carry out a comparative analysis of the social security laws of other Asian countries (Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China) to carve out best practices that can be adopted in India. 3. Analyse and contrast the statistical data of the four predominant textile manufacturing and exporting economies on selected parameters.

Chest Tightness and Chronic Cough; Respiratory Symptoms Among Home-Based Textile Industry Workers

Background: The textile industry, rooted in agriculture, stands as Pakistan's second-largest employer. Within this sector, home-based textile production plays a significant role, albeit largely unregulated and undocumented, resulting in substandard working conditions. Workers in this setting are frequently exposed to cotton dust, posing serious health risks alongside other occupational hazards. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, particularly chest tightness and chronic cough, among home-based textile industry workers in Jhang, Pakistan, underscoring the importance of preventive measures. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1, 2017, to February 28, 2018. A sample of 300 participants with over 20 years of work experience was selected from 10 home-based textile units. Data collection utilized a structured questionnaire and analysis was performed using SPSS 25. Results: The study revealed that 23% of workers reported chest tightness and 18.7% reported chronic cough. These symptoms were notably prevalent among workers aged 45 and above, those with limited formal education, non-users of masks during work, and those directly exposed to cotton dust. Conclusion: Workers in the home-based textile industry face respiratory symptoms due to exposure to cotton dust. This underscores the necessity of health education and the enforcement of protective measures, such as mask usage and dust control, to safeguard their respiratory health.

Investigation of Color Vision and Contrast Sensitivity Defects in Textile Industry Workers

Background: Industrial exposure to chemicals is a significant health concern, particularly within the textile industry where workers are in regular contact with potentially harmful substances. The retina, with its photoreceptor cells responsible for color vision and contrast sensitivity, is especially susceptible to damage from such exposure. Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of chemical exposure on the color vision and contrast sensitivity of workers in the Five Star Textile Industry, drawing comparisons with previous research to better understand the occupational risks and requisite protective measures. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted on 100 workers with an age range of 20-50 years, examining 200 eyes. The research took place from January to June 2023, employing the Pelli-Robson chart and D-15 test for evaluating contrast sensitivity and color vision, respectively. Data were analyzed using the Pearson Chi-Square test and SPSS version 25. Results: The study found a Pearson Chi-Square value of 31.4 for color vision in the right eye and 25.7 in the left, with a significance of 0.000 for both. Contrast sensitivity tests revealed a Pearson Chi-Square value of 44.2 for both eyes, with significance remaining at 0.000, indicating a strong correlation between chemical exposure and visual impairment. Conclusion: The findings suggest a significant relationship between prolonged chemical exposure and visual function decline among textile workers, underlining the necessity for enhanced occupational health protocols and regular vision screening.

Impact of cotton dust, endotoxin exposure, and other occupational health risk due to indoor pollutants on textile industry workers in low and middle- income countries

The textile industry consists of several units that engage different processes namely ginning, spinning, weaving, dyeing, printing, and several other processes which required for converting raw cotton fiber into finished fabrics. Exposure to cotton dust, endotoxin, chemicals, noise, and musculoskeletal disorders causes several health-related hazards to textile workers. This review article aims to study the health issues due to various risk factors associated with the working environment in detail and its impacts on workers' health. This review article also reports dust and endotoxin concentrations in indoor environments of textile industries, as well as discusses the association between workplace exposure to cotton dust, endotoxin, and the prevalence of respiratory disorders. In this review, the focus is also given to the prevalence of indoor pollutants like Particulate Matter (PM), Carbon dioxide (CO2), Carbon monoxide (CO), and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Formaldehyde (HCHO) in the workplace and its effects on human health. The study expands to other aspects that influence human comfort and health during working hours like occupational noise, musculoskeletal disorders, and eyesight problems. In addition, the advanced technologies for monitoring indoor air quality for control and reduction of pollutants indoor environment the current regulatory limits of cotton dust and indoor pollutants, and suggestions to enhance the occupational safety and health conditions in textile sectors are also pointed out. In conclusion, the current study stresses the need to regulate and apply international standards in the textile sector to prevent short- and long-term occupational illness.

Pooled Prevalence of Byssinosis in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Byssinosis is an occupational lung disease affecting textile workers exposed to cotton, jute and hemp dust. It causes symptoms like cough, breathlessness, and wheezing which is more during Mondays. Diagnosis is mainly clinical. The true burden of byssinosis in India remains unknown, and this systematic review and meta-analysis (SR-MA) aims to estimate its prevalence among textile industry workers in India. This study was registered in PROSPERO. The search spanned from January 2000 to September 2023, focusing on observational studies that met specific criteria. Two independent reviewers screened the literature, extracted relevant data, and assessed the risk of bias. Statistical analysis included a random effects model, assessment of heterogeneity and publication bias. Eighteen studies (5678 individuals) were included in the analysis. Byssinosis diagnosis was based on Schilling’s criteria in the majority of studies. Seven studies had low risk of bias, three had high risk, and the rest were moderate. There was no significant publication bias. The pooled prevalence of byssinosis was 24% (95% CI = 13%-36%) with high heterogeneity (I 2 = 99.02%). Sub-group analysis of studies with low risk of bias showed a prevalence of 20% (95% CI = 11% - 29%). Extrapolation of these findings to India suggests that about 10 million people are affected by byssinosis. The authors recommend development and practice of tailored health surveillance guidelines and the promotion of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) among those employed in textile industries.

Effect of Noise, Blood Glucose, and Body Mass Index on Lactate Levels in Textile Industry Workers

Occupational fatigue remains a prevalent concern in occupational health. This study investigated the association between noise intensity, blood glucose levels, body mass index (BMI), and lactate levels as an indicator of occupational fatigue among textile industry workers in Surakarta, Indonesia. An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted, with 82 participants recruited from a local textile industry. Multivariate analysis using multiple binary logistic regression revealed that noise intensity, blood glucose levels, and BMI were significant risk factors for occupational fatigue, as indicated by elevated lactate levels. These findings highlight the importance of noise reduction measures, a healthy lifestyle, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and BMI to mitigate occupational fatigue among textile industry workers

Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function impairment among textile industry workers in Alexandria, Egypt.

Occupational exposure to cotton dust is still an important cause of respiratory problems in textile workers particularly in less developed countries like Egypt. Evaluate respiratory symptoms and diseases, and pulmonary function pattern among Egyptian textile workers. Cross sectional comparative study was conducted from December 2019 to September 2020 in a textile factory in Egypt; 364 male workers (184 cotton dust exposed workers, and 180 unexposed workers) were included. Participants were subjected to an interviewing questionnaire, British Medical Research Council questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, pulmonary function tests, and byssinosis grading format. Descriptive and analytic statistics were conducted. Chronic cough, phlegm production, and shortness of breath grade I, II and III were more reported in cotton dust exposed workers than unexposed workers (P#x003C;0.01, P#x003C;0.01, and P=0.02, respectively). Prevalence of chronic bronchitis was significantly higher among cotton dust exposed workers (12%) than unexposed workers (3.9%) (P#x003C;0.01). The mean percent predicted values of lung function indices reflecting large-1irway function (VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, PEFR, and FEF75) were significantly lower in cotton dust exposed workers (P#x003C;0.01). Prevalence of byssinosis was 22.8%. Workers with byssinosis had significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis, cross-shift reduction in PEFR and significant decrease in mean percent predicted values of FVC, FEV1, PEFR, FEF75, and FEF50 than workers without byssinosis. This study revealed a substantial association between cotton dust exposure at work and respiratory symptoms and morbidity. Regular measurement of cross shift change in PEFR is recommended among exposed workers for early diagnosis of byssinosis.

Prevalence and associated factors of poor sleep quality among industrial workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: findings from a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of poor sleep quality among Bole Lemi Industrial Park workers in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.DesignAn institution-based cross-sectional study...

Assessment of Role of Job Components and Individual Parameters on the Raised Blood Pressure in a Noisy Industry

The present study aimed to determine the role of job components and individual parameters on the raised blood pressure among male workers of textile industry who were exposed to continuous high noise level. Information of all eligible subjects including demographic and individual characteristics, medical history and job characteristics were obtained by direct interview and referring to the medical records. All blood pressure measurements were done using mercury sphygmomanometer in the morning before work. The 8-hours equivalent A-weighted sound pressure level, the level of blood cholesterol and triglyceride, and noise annoyance was determined for each worker. As the result of weighted regression in path analysis (direct effect), only the work shift did not have a significant effect on blood pressure among the studied variables. It can be seen that variables including the level of triglyceride, cholesterol, and noise exposure have the most direct effects on blood pressure. The results of total effects showed that variables, including using the hearing protection device, age, work experience and visibility of sound source, did not have a significant effect on blood pressure. The results of this study indicate that occupational noise exposure alone and combined with other job components and individual parameters is associated with raised blood pressure. However, noise exposure was probably a stronger stressor for increased blood pressure.

Prevalence and prediction of occupational morbidities among male migrant workers in textile industries in Surat, India: a cross-sectional study

Background: In the textile industry, male migrant workers from other Indian states predominate. Workers are more vulnerable to occupational hazards due to poor working conditions, such as long hours and workplace annoyances. These include noise, high temperatures, humidity, chemical fumes, and cotton or synthetic dust, which harm their health. This study investigated the morbidity patterns of textile migrant workers in Surat. Methods: From April to November 2017, cross-sectional research was conducted in three blocks, utilizing multistage stratified cluster sampling to survey 348 TMWs. A pre-tested and pre-designed structured questionnaire was developed to collect data on three types of textile units: yarn, weaving, and processing. A bivariate and binary logistic regression examined the relationship between the self-reported prevalence of occupational morbidities (outcome variables) and occupation-related factors (predictor variables). Results: Occupational morbidities affect 95% of workers. Self-reported morbidities include musculoskeletal morbidities (72.7%), respiratory morbidities (21.9%), ophthalmic morbidities (27.6%), skin morbidities (23.9%), and ENT problems (18.4%). Those working in weaving manufacturing units are 10% more likely to have ocular disorders (P<0.05). Those who engage in printing and dyeing processing units have a 27% higher chance of developing respiratory morbidities (P<0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of occupational morbidity is significantly higher among textile workers. The hazardous risk factors responsible for these morbidities can be mitigated by improving working conditions and implementing suitable protective measures for textile workers. Intervention initiatives are required to address textile workers’ health concerns.

The Predominance of Tobacco Propensities and Tobacco-Related Oral Lesions in Textile Mill Workers of Bhopal: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Low wages, long work hours, and stressful working conditions predominantly affect the oral and general health of industrial workers, which in turn resultin their tobacco consumption. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of tobacco use and its associated oral lesions among textile mill workers in Bhopal, India. Oral cancer and premalignant lesions are significantly increased by smoking and chewing tobacco. The study's objective was to assess and record the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions linked to tobacco use in different age groups among Bhopal textile industry workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 583 textile mill workers. Data were collected using a questionnaire and the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form 2013. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29 (Released 2022; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) was used for the statistical analysis. Variables were compared using the mean, percentage, and standard deviation. The chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare the distribution of gender, tobacco habits, and oral mucosal lesions in different age groups. Males made up 69.1% of the workforce. A clear male preference was noted (P ≤ 0.001). About 64.7% of the workers did not have any tobacco-related habits, 20.8% used smokeless tobacco, 7.9% used a smoking form of tobacco, and 6.7% used both. Older age groups, 31-45 and >46 years old, had a higher proportion of users of smokeless tobacco (P ≤ 0.001). The most commonly reported oral mucosal lesions were ulcerative conditions in 6.9%, followed by oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), keratotic lesions, and leukoplakia in 5.0%, 4.1%, and 3.6% of the study population, respectively. Leukoplakia and OSMF were prevalent in the 31-45-yearage group, while ulcerative lesions were more prevalent in the 18-30-yearage group (P ≤ 0.001). Workers at textile mills were more likely to use a smokeless form of tobacco. Older age groups had higher rates of smokeless tobacco use as compared to smoking, which was more prevalent in the younger age group. Oral mucosal lesions in older age groups frequently include OSMF and leukoplakia. The main reasons for engaging in the tobacco use habit were stress and a lack of awareness. Oral hygiene was a neglected entity among workers.

Nephrolepis exaltata Herbal-mask Better than Regular Cloth-mask in Decreasing Nasal Mucociliary Transport-Time of Textile Industry Workers

Background Herbal masks are made from lamination-spraying of Nephrolepis exaltata (NE) extract on regular medical masks, which may absorb Volatile Organic compounds (VOC) in the occupational exposure of the textile industry'sindustry's dyeing area. Therefore, clinically, the effect on nasal mucociliary transport time (TMSH) needed to be tested and compared with ordinary cloth-mask teens used by textile industry workers as their daily personal protective equipment. Methods Pre- and post-test randomized control trials on 30 textile-dyeing areas of textile industry workers in Bawean Indonesia, divided into two groups; 1) users of NE herbal masks (N=17) as the treatment group and 2) regular cloth mask users (N=13) as control-group, for eight weeks. First, the TMSH time (seconds) was carried out before and after treatment using the saccharin test by an ENT specialist, followed by a different test on delta. Results The TMSH-time of NE herbal mask users before vs after treatment was 1169.60 ± 644.55 seconds vs 1075.75 ± 677.36 (p = 0.102). On subjects wearing regular cloth masks was 1113.75 ± 479.43 vs 1187.40 ± 544.96 (p = 0.003). The mean delta'sdelta's difference before and after treatment was 25.5 seconds, with a significant difference in mean delta TMSH-time between the treatment and control groups (p = 0.048). Conclusions Textile-industry workers who wear NE herbal masks have better TMSH times than regular cloth mask wearer

The Relationship of Dust Exposure with Respiratory Disorders Symptoms Among Textile Industry Workers

The Relationship of Dust Exposure with Respiratory Disorders Symptoms Among Textile Industry Workers

Human Factor Analysis of Textile Industry Workers Using Various Ergonomic Assessment Tools

Human Factor Analysis of Textile Industry Workers Using Various Ergonomic Assessment Tools

Assessment of health status among workers of textile dyeing industry in the middle region of the Nile Delta Egypt

Assessment of health status among workers of textile dyeing industry in the middle region of the Nile Delta Egypt

Personal and Environmental Risk Factors of Work-Related Stress: A Cross-Sectional Study among Female Workers of a Textile Industry in Indonesia

Background: In 2017, the prevalence of work-related stress reached 10.7% of the 792 million population. This work-related stress is common in the textile industry, characterized by many environmental risk factors coming from the weaving processes. The stress problem is discussed in various countries worldwide. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the personal and environmental risk factors for work-related stress in textile industry workers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a textile factory weaving section in Solo, Indonesia. The subjects of this study were 188 female weaving operators that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sound level meter was operated to measure the environmental noise, while environmental working conditions, work experience, social support, and work-related stress were measured using questionnaires. Furthermore, the Somers' Delta correlation was used to analyze the relationship between personal and environmental risk factors for work-related stress. Results: Surprisingly, this study found no significant correlation between personal and environmental risk factors (independent variables) with work-related stress (dependent variables). In personal factors, most of the workers are late adulthood (36-45 years old), the length of working dominated more than ten years (90.42%), with most of them having senior high school education (58.51%). In terms of environmental risk factors, most of the workers have good working environment conditions (51.6%); are well experienced in weaving tasks (54.3%), with a high social support category (58%). Conclusion: Although some previous studies indicated that personal factors, working conditions, and social support could trigger stress among workers, this study found no correlation between the independent and the dependent variables.

Exposure to Endotoxins as a Risk Factor for Decreased Lung Function in Workers in the Cotton-Based Textile Industry

Dust particles that enter the body through inhalation and into the lungs can cause disturbances in the respiratory tract. Dust particles produced from cotton fibers can contain endotoxin biological agents, inhalation of endotoxins can also cause other diseases namely, flu, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary and decreased lung function. This study was conducted for the analysis of endotoxin exposure in cotton dust as a risk factor for decreasing lung function of workers in the textile industry. The method used in writing this article is a literature review using ten scientific articles to analyze the level of endotoxins in cotton dust, the characteristics of workers and the decline in lung function in workers. The study found that the highest levels of endotoxins were found in cotton mills in Shanghai with annual endotoxin levels of 1,730-65,204 EU/m3. Endotoxins in cotton dust are found most abundantly in spinning and weaving units. Factors such as age, length of service and smoking status are risk factors for workers experiencing a decrease in lung function, while the influence of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) still needs to be studied further.

Effect of increasing physical workload and environmental noise exposure on physiological stress among textile industry workers in the CARE covid-19

In June-September 2021, Surakarta experienced a long dry season as a result of global climate change, creating high temperatures that interfere with working comfort. In the textile industry, these conditions can make the workplace hotter than usual. In addition, the presence of very high noise and increased physical workload can trigger physiological stress events for weaving workers. The Community Activities Restrictions Enforcement (CARE) throughout Indonesia, restriction of people's movement to daily work, especially for unvaccinated workers. This condition has an impact on the activities of the textile industry sector, restrictions on the number of workers, trigger a shortage of manpower, forcing available workers to carry out more overtime to get the company's production targets. The increase in overtime causes workers to experience an increase in physical workload than usual. This study is to investigate the direct impact of this phenomenon and corrective action analysis can be carried out. This cross-sectional study included 47 workers of the weaving section in IT Co. Ltd Surakarta, Indonesia using a sound level meter and fitness tracker to measured physical workload, environmental noise, and physiological stress. This study showed physical workload (p=0.005, r=0.745) and environmental noise exposure (p=0.021, r=0,886) has a significant correlation toward physiological stress. Noise and workload control by using a hierarchy of control are urgently needed to reduce the incidence of physiological stress in the workplace.