Work environment and health problems of pottery workers in Bankhudnakham handicraft center, Charoensil District, Sakonnakhon Province

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to investigate work environment and health problems of pottery workers in Bankhudnakham Handicraft Center, Chareonsil District, Sakonnakhon Province. Collection of data used interview form pottery workers 102 persons. Occupational health, safety and work environment survey were done for measuring indoor noise level, lighting, and dust in 2 buildings. The study was done during May-July 2015. Data analyses used percentage, mean, standard deviation, median, minimum-maximum values. The study results found most pottery workers were female 61.76%, their ages ranged 41-50 years with 44.12%, finished primary school with 57.84%. Most workers had working experiences 6-10 years with 27.50% and doing other occupation at the same time with 65.69% Most farming is 91.04%. Their working posture was sitting on the leaning back tough chair with appropriate height provision to all workers. The workers performed repetitive working condition more than 2 hours with 84.31%. The workers did their tasks without bending or kneeing postures with 92.16%. Accidents found in the workplace were falling by space blockage and injury from sharp with 7.84%. Last six months of pain of the workers were; 19.61% back or lumbar pain, 18.63% arm strain and muscle pain, while 79.40% the workers' stress assessment was at normal level with 79.4%. The working environment examination results found were (1) the noise level was meeting the standard value. (2) For lighting, the manufacturing sections that found had lower light intensity were; soil preparation, mechanical molding, molding by hand, sculpturing ceramic, coating, edge-cutting, and decorating ceramic. And (3) The dust measurements (average 8 hours) at manufacturing workshops 1 median 0.38 mg/m³ min- max levels were 0.22-0.53 mg/m³. workshops 2 median 0.34 mg/m³ min-max levels were 0.15-0.40 mg/m³. The min-max PM10 levels workshops 1 median 0.24 mg/m³ min-max levels were 0.11-0.30 mg/m³. workshops 2 median 0.16 mg/m³ min-max levels were 0.11-0.20 mg/m³, these were not exceeding to the Dust Standard Value of the workplace, thus, Should have a environment is suitable for work and personal protective equipment accident reduction And Injury of work Less.