Health-Related Risks and Community Participatory Processes in Promoting Occupational Safety for the Blacksmith Case Study: Nathorn Community, Thatphanom, Nakhon Phanom

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate health-related risks and community participation
in promoting the occupational safety of the Blacksmiths. The purposive samples comprised
of 101 Blacksmith entrepreneurs and staffs at Health Promoting Hospital. Data was
collected using questionnaires, in-depth interviews, participatory observations, group
conversations, and safety surveys between February 2011 and February 2012. Quantitative
data were analyzed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data were analyzed by
content analysis, issue analysis, and interpretation.
According to the findings, health-related occupational risks were at medium to
high levels (71.3%). The community participatory processes were consisted of the
following: 1) learning processes to improve occupational safety, observation of the
occupational safety and problem assessment; 2) training to enhance personal skills; 3)
creating stages to exchange learning and choosing a problem-solving by community part of
process; 4) building a team that participated for empowerment of the group 5) learning the
problem-solving skills by participation and home visiting. Then, researchers motivated and
encouraged the groups by using the problem-solving skills and giving knowledge about
health promotion for the groups and selected of proper personal protective equipment for
preventing occupational risks. The outcomes from using the aforementioned participatory
processes consisted of the following: 1) using cloths to cover mouths-noses to protect
against dust; 2) wearing protective goggles to prevent pieces of metal and light; 3)
Monitoring occupational environments; 4) wearing shoes to protect against pieces of metal
or sharp objects; 5) covering body closely and tightly to prevent occupational accidents.
The findings suggest that occupational safety promotion is necessary for the
Blacksmith. The community participation and the selection of proper personal protective
equipment for preventing occupational risks are necessary