WORK ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH HAZARD FOR WEAVERS IN HANDLOOM UNIT

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to assess working conditions and health hazard for weavers in handloom unit. Eighty male weavers were selected from durrie units of Sujatganj and Rail Bazar of Kanpur Nagar. Parameters like personal profile, family profile, work profile, Environmental condition and health problems were studied to assess their working condition and health hazard in handloom unit. Pre coded interview schedule and personal interview method was used for data collection. Data on environmental conditions like light, noise, temperature and humidity was measured by using Lux meter, Noise level meter and Thermo hygrometer. Analyses of data shows majority of workers were from age group 41 to 50 years, illiterate, OBC and Muslim. They were landless, from medium extended family type. Occupation of head of family was unskilled worker and earning only Rs. 5000.00 monthly. Majority were having experience of 5-10 years of  working on daily wage, duration of work was basis for wage determination, payment was made on daily basis and mode of payment was cash. Majority of them work for seven days/week, about 6-8 hours /day and take only two rest intervals of 16-30 min. Level of light and noise was below the recommended value whereas level of temperature in summer and humidity in winter was above recommended value. Neck- shoulder pain, back pain, headache and knee- thigh pain was reported as major problem. More than 60 percent also reported problem of asthma, constipation and peptic pain.