Health effects related to arc welding work among welders in Langsuan district, Chumphon province.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and health problems of arc welding workers. A hundred sixteen arc welding workers had participated and complete a questionnaire providing personal characteristics, ill-health related to work, occupational factors and environmental hazard. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.  

The study results showed that 98.3 percent of arc welding workers had reported musculoskeletal disorder-related work. The most musculoskeletal symptoms related to arc welding work were reported by workers including low back pain (93.1%), wrist pain (93.1%), and shoulder pain (83.6%), respectively. Eye problem was reported by 95.7% of welders. Eye symptoms included eye irritation and watery eye (83.6%), followed by eyestrain (82.8%) and burning eyes (70.7%), respectively. Respiratory problems were found in 78.4%. Respiratory symptoms included dry cough and hoarse voice (90.3%), followed by irritated nose and throat (57.8%), and difficult breath (23.3%) Work related accidents within 6 months were reported in 12.9% of workers. Wearing PPE was found in 89.7% of welders, while only 10.3% did not use PPE.

In conclusion, occupational health problems were highly found in these arc welding workers. Information about safety workplace and training about personal protective equipment programs should be provided to the workers which may reduce occupational health problems.