Preliminary Survey To Assess The Health Status Of Iron And Steel Industry Workers

Abstract

More than two hundred iron and steel industrial units in and around Lahore were surveyed to assess the general working conditions of these units. Structural layout of the unit, product type, production capacity, number of workers, number and length of shifts, noise level and temperature were used to indicate the severity of the working conditions. Data from more than 300 workers of 18 units was collected to assess health status and hazards involved. Vital signs were measured to calculate
BMI as an indicator of health status along with the common diseases and problems encountered by the workers. Analysis of the data revealed that air temperature ranged from 40-49 C, while the noise level exceeded beyond 80dB reaching 110dB at certain points. Body temperature and blood pressure showed lower trends than the average, while BMI showed 6.21% underweight, 65.8% normal, 24.2% overweight and 3.6% obese. Data regarding the diseases reflected 45.96% muscular problems, 25.46%
asthma and breathing problems, 14.28% nose and throat problems, 12.11% skin allergies and 9.6% joints problems. Other diseases included eye problems, BP and diabetes. 4.65% cases of hepatitis B and C were found. 2.4% workers were found who had TB with different stages of treatment. All ranges of workplace injuries were found to be in 26.4% workers. The results of this study suggest that strict monitoring is required so as to improve the occupational health of these workers.