Development of Health Risk Assessment Model for Occupational Exposure to Chemicals among Employees at the car body repair and painting shops in Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

Purposes: The objective of this study is to develop a risk assessment model for occupational health hazards associated with chemical exposure in auto body paint shops in Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province.

Study design: Action research.

Materials and Methods: This study employs an Action Research approach based on the Kemmis & McTaggart model, which consists of four key steps: planning, action, observation, and reflection to assessed the health risk of chemicals exposure from work of 56 employees at 6 the car body repair and painting shops in Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province. The data were collected by surveyed of establishments, measured the chemical levels in the workplace environmental, testing for chemical residues in urine and assessing knowledge, attitudes, behavior in chemicals protecting during work operations.

          Main findings: The results of the study found that 83.3 % of establishments are at risk of improper ventilation systems. 83.3% of labels and warning signs are incomplete and 83.3% of employees did not receive health screenings based on risk factors. The concentrations of benzene, toluene, xylene, and styrene was found not exceeding the safety standard and the urine chemical residue test results were within normal range in all cases. For self-defense behavior, it was found that most employees wash their hands regularly after work (94.6 %). However, was found 100% of employees had no showered before leaving work. The developed risk assessment model consists of 5 key steps by adding health risk analysis, environmental measurement, urine chemical test and assessment of knowledge and behaviors. The keys success factors are participation of establishments and workers. Therefore, employees at the car body repair and painting shops should be monitoring for risky behaviors and annual health checked based on the occupational exposure.

Conclusion and Recommendations: Implementing occupational health and safety measures will enhance workplace safety, reduce health risks, and improve occupational health standards in auto body paint shops.