HEALTH STATUS RELATED TO RISK AT WORK AMONG SILVERWARE WORKERS, NASAI SUB-DISTRICT, LI DISTRICT, LAMPHUN PROVINCE

Abstract

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Silverware workers are an informal working group who are at risk for work-related health deterioration.

OBJECTIVE

To study the health status related to risk at work among silverware workers, Nasai Sub-district, Li District, Lamphun Province

METHODS

This descriptive study aimed to examine health status related to risk at work among silverware workers. The study sample consisted of 187 silverware workers in Nasai Sub-district, Li District, Lamphun province. Data collection was carried out during August to September 2013. The study instrument was an interview form of health status related to risk at work among silverware worker created from literature review and confirmed a content validity by a panel of experts and yielded an index of 1. The reliability was tested and its value was at the acceptable level (0.80-0.86). Data analysis was performed by using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

The main findings revealed that health status related to risk at work perceived by the study sample in the part of work related illnesses included job stress from hasty work (72.19%) and high workload (46.52%), and musculoskeletal disorders comprised of lower back/lumbar pain(57.75%) and shoulder pain (35.29%), respiratory and skin disorders including stinging (20.86%) and skin rash (6.42%), and hearing disorders.

CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION

The results of this study indicate that occupational health nurses and related health care team should recognize the significance of health and environmental surveillance among silverware factory workers. Dissemination of the information of health and safety at work is needed for reducing health risks and promoting environment for working.