Occupational health issues in small-scale industries in Sri Lanka: An underreported burden.
Work
; 55(2): 263-269, 2016 Oct 17.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-27689580
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Work-related diseases and occupational accidents affect a significant number of workers globally. The majority of these diseases and accidents are reported from developing countries; and a large percentage of the workforce in developing countries is estimated to be employed in small-scale industries. Sri Lanka is no exception. These workers are exposed to occupational hazards and are at a great risk of developing work- related diseases and injuries.OBJECTIVE:
To identify occupational health issues faced by small-scale industry workers in Sri Lanka.METHODS:
A cross sectional study was conducted among workers in four selected small-scale industry categories in two districts of Sri Lanka. A small-scale industry was defined as a work setting with less than 20 workers. Cluster sampling using probability proportionate to size of workers was used. Eighty clusters with a cluster size of eight from each district were selected. Data was collected using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire.RESULTS:
Our study surveyed 198 industries. Headache (2.2%, 95% CI 1.5-3.1) and eye problems (2.1%, 95% CI 1.4-2.9) were the commonest general health issues detected. Back pain (4.8%, 95% CI 3.8-6.1) was the most prevalent work-related musculoskeletal pain reported. Knee pain was the second highest (4.4%, 95% CI 3.4-5.6). Most of the work-related musculoskeletal pain was either of short duration or long lasting.CONCLUSIONS:
Work-related musculoskeletal pain was much more common than the general health issues reported. Health promotional programs at workplaces focusing ergonomics will benefit the workers at small-scale industries inSri Lanka.Palabras clave
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Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Dolor
/
Salud Laboral
/
Pequeña Empresa
/
Enfermedades Profesionales
Tipo de estudio:
Observational_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
País como asunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Año:
2016
Tipo del documento:
Article