ASSESSMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT OF THE HANDLOOM WEAVERS

M. MILCAH PAUL¹*, V. VIJAYA LAKSHMI^2
1Department of Resource Management and Consumer Sciences, College of Home Science, Saifabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
²Principal Scientist, All India Coordinated Research Project-Home Science (Family Resource Management), Post Graduate and Research Centre, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad, 500030, Telangana, India
* Corresponding Author : milcahpaul@gmail.com

Received : 21-06-2018     Accepted : 27-06-2018     Published : 30-06-2018
Volume : 10     Issue : 12       Pages : 6496 - 6497
Int J Agr Sci 10.12 (2018):6496-6497

Keywords : Handloom, Weaver, Work environment, Occupational health issues, Fatigue relief measures
Conflict of Interest : None declared
Acknowledgements/Funding : Author thankful to Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad, 500030 Telangana
Author Contribution : All author equally contributed

The workers involved in the Handloom Sector face a lot of problems like low socio-economic status; improper wages and profits; improper workstation and work environment design; health and safety issues; ergonomic and musculo-skeletal issues; mental, physical and psychological strain etc. This study was taken up to explore the occupational health issues and work environment of the handloom weavers. The results showed that the respondents had suffered from different occupational health issues like decrease in eye sight, dust allergies, lung problems and pain in knees, legs, hands and shoulders. Lack of proper lighting, space and ventilation in the work area caused extra stress on the respondents while working, but they were unable to identify that issue. Modification of the work environment and the loom design depending on the needs of the weavers may be helpful in reducing the health issues and work stress.

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