Occupational health in India

The population of India has crossed the billion mark; only one other country (China) shares this distinction. A declining female population and low literacy are negatives in an otherwise vibrant country. The empowerment of females and their role in society has become a point of debate, and radical economic changes are likely, to allow India to join the global economy. Problems in occupational health and safety (OHS) include: OHS legislation that covers only a minority of the working population; child labour; a physician-driven OHS model; little attention to industrial hygiene; poor surveillance of occupational diseases (making it impossible to gauge the burden of illness due to occupational exposures); and a fragile OHS academic base. A silver lining comprises the inclusion of OHS in national health policy and the decision by the Indian Medical Association to educate its members in occupational health. India urgently requires modern OHS legislation with adequate enforcement machinery, and establishment of centres of excellence in occupational medicine, to catch up with the rest of the world.     

Occupational health research in Taiwan

This article gave a brief introduction of population, labor force, general status of occupational safety and health in Taiwan. Statistics of occupational injuries and health disorders, laws and regulations relevant to occupational health were also covered. Research activities driven by universities, research institutes, society/association were provided. Two multi-lateral collaborative research examples were presented: an intoxication outbreak-initiated CS2 study and an information-demand-motivated 2-methoxy-ethanol study. Industrial hygienists, engineers, epidemiologists, and occupational physicians from both universities and research institutes, governmental agencies, and from non-profit R&D organizations and academic associations were involved in these researches, presenting a promise that integrated collaboration of inter-disciplinary specialty cooperated with governmental participation could benefit not only academic achievement, governmental policy-makeup, but also to the employees themselves.     

Occupational risk in health care and research

BACKGROUND: Working in the health care and research sectors has been linked to various hazards. METHODS: Studies published in the peer-reviewed literature that are pertinent to the exposures or diseases relevant to these fields were reviewed. RESULTS: The most important exposures include infectious agents, formaldehyde, anesthetic agents, antineoplastic drugs, and ethylene oxide. The best-documented evidence is that of infectious risk primarily among clinical personnel. Monitoring studies of persons occupationally exposed to anesthetics clearly demonstrate behavioral effects, possible risk of reproductive problems, as well as cytogenetic effects of unknown significance. The latter two impairments are also observed among those exposed to antineoplastic drugs and ethylene oxide. Exposure to formaldehyde appears to be associated with nasopharyngeal tumors. Whereas increased risk of cancer of certain sites, particularly the brain and lymphohematopoietic system, is found among research and health care personnel, no specific exposure has been linked to these neoplasms. CONCLUSIONS: Although some results are inconsistent, continued environmental and biological monitoring will allow better assessment of exposures and of implemented protection measures.     

Occupational health issues in marine and freshwater research

ABSTRACT: Marine and freshwater scientists are potentially exposed to a wide variety of occupational hazards. Depending on the focus of their research, risks may include animal attacks, physiological stresses, exposure to toxins and carcinogens, and dangerous environmental conditions. Many of these hazards have been investigated amongst the general population in their recreational use of the environment; however, very few studies have specifically related potential hazards to occupational exposure. For example, while the incidence of shark and crocodile attacks may invoke strong emotions and the occupational risk of working with these animals is certainly real, many more people are stung by jellyfish or bitten by snakes or dogs each year. Furthermore, a large proportion of SCUBA-related injuries and deaths are incurred by novice or uncertified divers, rather than professional divers using aquatic environments. Nonetheless, marine and freshwater research remains a potentially risky occupation, and the likelihood of death, injury and long-term health impacts still needs to be seriously considered.     

Occupational health and the environment in an urban slum in India

The Indo-Dutch Environmental & Sanitary Engineering Project under the Ganga action Plan in Kanpur and Mirzapur is being executed within the Indo-Dutch bilateral development cooperation framework. The project aims to integrate physical, social and health related improvements. It is expected that the development approach and methodology can be replicated in other urban settlements in India. The project is being supplemented by a training and institutional strengthening programme to facilitate the transfer of new technologies and improvement of operation and maintenance of the new facilities. The project is also aimed at the improvement of the living conditions of the population, by installing drinking water and drainage systems. A socio-economic unit in the project supports the technical interventions by enhancing the community to participate in project activities. The Occupational Health Programme in Jajmau, an industrial slum of Kanpur, aims to improve the working conditions of tannery workers. Four hundred and ninety-seven tannery workers and 80 employees not engaged in leather work, from 20 tanneries, were interviewed and underwent physical examination. The mean age of tannery workers was 32 years, about half of them recently migrated to Kanpur. The majority of the workers are illiterate, have temporary jobs and 85% have a monthly income between 300 and 600 Rs. Occupational morbidity was 28.2%. Regular meetings with tannery owners, the training of tannery workers in first aid, and support for the installation of safety and health councils in tanneries are the main programme activities.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Occupational health hazards among health care personnel working in public health facilities in Bhubaneswar,India

Background

Health care personnel working in public health facilities comprise a major part of the health care workforce in India and are exposed to a variety of workplace hazards.

Aim

To assess the occupational health hazards and associated risk factors among health care personnel working in public health facilities in Bhubaneswar.

Subject and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 172 health care personnel working in 22 urban primary health centers and four community health centers in the Bhubaneswar Block of the Khordha district in the state of Odisha, during the period from January to December 2017. Relevant data were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule.

Results

Overall, 143 (83.1%) of the participants reported experiencing occupational health hazards, with 89 (51.7%) encountering biological hazards and 130 (75.6%) experiencing non-biological hazards. Stress (38.9%), assault (38.4%), needlestick injury (34.3%), and direct contact with contaminated specimens/body fluids (32.6%) were the most frequently experienced occupational hazards. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that female gender, health care personnel other than doctors, working overtime, dissatisfaction with workplace atmosphere, and not using the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) were independent predictors for experiencing a biological hazard. Similarly, female gender, presence of family conflict, and not using the required PPE were found to be independent predictors for experiencing non-biological hazards.

Conclusion

Health care personnel in public health facilities experience multiple hazards in their workplaces. Results indicate the need for designing and implementing strategies to promote the occupational health of this important section of society.

     

Occupational safety and health in India: now and the future

India, a growing economy and world's largest democracy, has population exceeding 1.2 billion. Out of this huge number, 63.6% form working age group. More than 90% work in the informal economy, mainly agriculture and services. Less than 10% work in the organized sector; mainly industry, mining and some services. New service industries like Information Technology (IT), Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) are increasing rapidly; so is the proportion of females in the workforce. The occupational safety and health (OSH) scenario in India is complex. Unprecedented growth and progress go hand in hand with challenges such as huge workforce in unorganized sector, availability of cheap labor, meager public spending on health, inadequate implementation of existing legislation, lack of reliable OSH data, shortage of OSH professionals, multiplicity of statutory controls, apathy of stakeholders and infrastructure problems. The national policy on OSH at workplace, adopted by the government in 2009, is yet to be implemented. Some of the major occupational risks are accidents, pneumoconiosis, musculoskeletal injuries, chronic obstructive lung diseases; pesticide poisoning and noise induced hearing loss. The three most important OSH needs are: 1. legislation to extend OSH coverage to all sectors of working life including the unorganized sector; 2. spreading the awareness about OSH among stakeholders; 3. development of OSH infrastructure and OSH professionals. Other issues include integration of occupational health with primary health care.     

Occupational health and safety situation and research priority in Thailand

The aims of this article are to review the situation of occupational health and safety and to describe research priority in this field in Thailand. Thailand is one of newly industrialized countries in Southeast Asia. Approximately half of the working population is still in agriculture. The data from Thai Workmen's Compensation Fund showed that incidence rate of occupational injuries and diseases was 3-4% each year. Almost were occupational injuries from various accidents in workplaces. At least 3 relevant governmental agencies, including Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Public Health, and Ministry of Industry, are responsible in occupational health and safety in the country. Nowadays, those agencies collaborate and develop projects and activities to prevent and control of the problems. Because of lack of staff and other resources, research priority is needed and has been developed recently. The framework of research needed focuses on research and development such as how to improve occupational health and safety management at all levels, setting up and development of standard guidelines for health and environmental assessment, and implementation of suitable control measures in workplaces. Finally, improvement of research system in the country is essential to cope with new occupational health problems in the near future.     

Occupational health research priorities in Malaysia: a Delphi study

OBJECTIVES—As part of a consultancy project on occupational health, the Delphi method was used to identify research priorities in occupational health in Malaysia.
METHODS—Participation was sought from government ministries, industry, and professional organisations, and university departments with an interest in occupational and public health. Two rounds of questionnaires resulted in a final list of priorities, with noticeable differences between participants depending on whether they worked in industry or were from government organisations.
RESULTS—The participation rate of 71% (55 of 78) was obtained for the first questionnaire and 76% (72 of 95) for the second questionnaire. The participants identified occupational health problems for specific groups and industries as the top research priority area (ranked as top priority by 25% of participants). Ministry of Health participants placed emphasis on healthcare workers (52% ranking it as top priority), whereas those from industry identified construction and plantation workers as groups, which should be accorded the highest priority. Evaluation of research and services was given a low priority.
CONCLUSIONS—The priorities for occupational health determined with the Delphi approach showed differences between Malaysia, a developing country, and findings from similar European studies. This may be expected, as differences exist in stages of economic development, types of industries, occupational activities, and cultural attitudes to occupational health and safety. Chemical poisonings and workplace accidents were accorded a high priority. By contrast with findings from western countries, workplace psychosocial problems and musculoskeletal injuries were deemed less important. There also seemed to be greater emphasis on adopting interventions for identified problems based on experience in other countries rather than the need to evaluate local occupational health provisions.


Keywords: occupational health; research priorities; Malaysia     

Occupational health in developing countries: review of research needs

Over the past two decades, industrial activity has increased rapidly in developing nations. Industrial growth has also increased the health risks facing workers in these countries both by intensifying existing health problems and by introducing new hazards. Inadequate information about occupational hazards creates major obstacles to effective prevention of occupational diseases in many developing countries. This brief report reviews the occupational health determinants of developing nations and suggests current research needs and objectives. Our purpose is to stimulate discussion and initiate debate among health professionals worldwide who confront growing problems in occupational health.     

Occupational health problems of highway restaurant workers of Pune, India

To meet the ever-increasing demand for new cuisines, the catering industry in India is becoming more prominent day by day. According to a recent estimate, more than two million restaurants are now dominating the present scenario of the Indian catering industry. The health hazards in restaurants vary according to the place that a worker is employed. The hazards among kitchen staff include several different types of accidents such as burns from deep fryers, slipping on grease and cuts from knives, whereas musculoskeletal disorders are more common among waiters and helpers who usually bear load. The present cross-sectional study included 127 workers from 15 restaurants and dhabas situated at Pune-Mumbai high way. Interview technique followed by clinical examination was the tool for data collection. Musculoskeletal symptoms such as low back pain, fatigue, body ache and pain in limbs were present in 18 (14.2%) of the workers. Gastrointestinal complaints such as heartburn, abdomen pain, stomatitis, etc. were reported by 12 (9.4%) subjects, while skin-related symptoms, such as itching and discoloration were reported in 12 (9.4%) subjects. Seventy-three (57.5%) of the subjects were free from any symptoms.     

Occupational therapy in rural India

India is called the land of villages. In 1951, 82.7% of the Indian population lived in rural areas. Sanskritisation and urbanisation have changed the pattern. It is expected that by the year 2020 this percentage would come down to 55%. These villagers are relocating in urban slums. Thus from the rehabilitation point of view both problems pose challenges. An Indian village community is a political, economic and cultural unit. At the urban slum area at Malwani and in small villages near Juchandra, community rehabilitation programmes were found to be most pragmatic. Community education and preventive occupational therapy are found to be essential steps in rural rehabilitation. Therapists have to work on ‘disability, attitude and beliefs’ and change the behaviour to deal with the grass root (basic) causes. It is felt that for longer sustainment, community-based rehabilitation should originate within the community. Heath professionals must recognise the capabilities of individuals within the support structure of the family and community, while helping individuals to improve the quality of their lives.     

大棚蔬菜种植者的职业安全卫生研究

2000年10月5日,国际劳工组织(ILO)公布了职业安全卫生管理体系指南(草案)[1],职业安全卫生(OSH)已越来越受到重视.随着农业科学技术的不断发展,各种各样的反季节蔬菜在大棚中栽培成功,增加了蔬菜种植者的经济收入,同时也给他们带来了一系列的职业安全卫生问题.大棚蔬菜种植者属于传统农业转型的农业劳动者,他们在大棚特殊的生产环境中从事蔬菜种植,将面临着更多的职业安全卫生问题.因此,对大棚蔬菜种植者职业安全卫生研究的开展,提出指导性的建议势在必行.     

Capacity building in environmental health research in India and Nepal

The Fogarty International Training and Research Program in Environmental and Occupational Health at UC Berkeley concentrates on two major environmental health issues in the Indian subcontinent: arsenic in drinking water in West Bengal, India, and indoor air pollution in India and Nepal. Local trainees and researchers have had the opportunity to work on related research. Concerning arsenic in drinking water, projects included studies of skin lesions, pulmonary effects, reproductive outcomes, and child development, as well as mitigation approaches to reduce exposures. Activities in the indoor air pollution project have emphasized quantifying exposures to smoke from cooking and heating as well as their associations with tuberculosis and eye disease. Training has focused on developing skills necessary to address these problems. The training emphasizes in-country mentoring of trainees related to their research projects, and intensive short courses at partner institutions. The focus of capacity building in environmental health research in countries in economic and environmental transition should be on country-based research projects with embedded training efforts.     

Occupational health in health care workers

Since the second half of the 20th century occupational health in health care workers is a well-established part of occupational medicine. Identification of environmental, biological, chemical, physical, and psychosocial hazards has lead to a number of preventive measures: Technical (e.g. use of safe instruments and double gloving as protection) and immunological (vaccinations) measures against biological hazards), and technical (lifting aides) and personal (back-schools) intervention to prevent musculoskeletal disorders are well-designed examples.     

Occupational health in Australia

Australia is a developed country in the Asia-Pacific Region with a large land area but a small population. Its main economic activities are mining, agriculture and manufacturing, with its service and high-technology industries being the fastest growing sectors in recent years. The regulation and enforcement of Occupational Health and Safety policies are mainly administered by the Industrial Relations Departments of eight State and Territory jurisdictions in the country. A National Occupational Health and Safety Commission coordinates occupational health and safety at the Commonwealth level. In 1987 the six occupational health and safety priorities in Australia were listed as occupational back pain, management of chemicals used at work, occupational noise-induced hearing loss, occupational skin disorders, occupational cancer and mechanical equipment injury. Australia has probably the highest incidence of malignant mesothelioma in the world, although the use of asbestos has been largely phased out. There was an almost explosive “epidemic” of repetition strain injury in the 1980s. Approximately 500 work-related fatalities and 10,000 work-related injuries are notified for workers' compensation every year. In addition, it is estimated that there are several thousand cases of work-related diseases every year, many of which go unreported. Occupational physicians undergo 4 years of specialisation training. Occupational hygienists, nurses and ergonomists receive training supervised by their respective professional organisations. Received: 2 March 1998 / Accepted: 10 March 1998