RAG PICKERS OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT IN CHANDRAPUR CITY, CENTRAL INDIA
| Main Authors: | Priyanka B. Dongre, Rahul K. Kamble |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Bahasa: | eng |
| Terbitan: |
, 2019
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: |
https://zenodo.org/record/4485165 |
Daftar Isi:
- Background: Solid waste has emerged as a major problem in our society. Rag pickers are playing an important role in collection of this waste and while doing so they are exposed to occupational health hazards. Objective: To objective of the study was to access the occupational health of rag pickers in Chandrapur district of Central India. Method: For the study 30 rag pickers (25 Female and 5 Male) were identified. Occupational health was assessed on the basis of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) analysis along with an interview schedule specially designed for the study. Result: Occupational health problems reported by the rag pickers include musculoskeletal disorder, dermatological problems, eyes problems, respiratory diseases, and gastrointestinal problems. Viral fever has emerged as a common infectious disease (83%, n=25). Exposure to dust, domestic waste, extreme heat of sunlight and broken sharp items are reported by all respondents. PERF values are found to be less than expected values. No personal protective equipment is used by the rag pickers; however, individual personal hygiene is maintained by them. Conclusion: Government apathy towards these workers needs to be addressed at the earliest so as to reduce the disease burden on them to a large extent.