Usage of Respiratory Protective Equipment among Sugarcane factory workers: Case study 3 Province in Northeastern

Abstract

The sugar industry may be at risk industry for the environmental and health impact of workers to exposed bagasse dust. Bagasse dust sizes have range from 0.08 to 9 millimeters, but most of the particles are in the range of 2.1-4.7 millimeters, Bagasse is a major preventative measure which can cause respiratory and allergic effects. Thus, the aim of this research is study the Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) usage of workers in sugar factories.

Cross-sectional study of 60 workers from sugar factories in Northeastern, Thailand. The survey questionnaire was conducted with daytime workers. The study showed that most of the workers are male 58.33% with age 41 years or older 60%. Moreover, most workers are graduated from primary school 71.67%. While, period of working at sugar factories between at least 5-10 years 41.67%. However, the RPE of workers in a sugar factory do not use RPE in the factory when performing their tasks. The reason of not use RPE is 35.0% had difficulty in breathing, 21.67% pain in the ear and 18.33% was small size of the face. While, the most commonly used RPE was used to prevent dust 91.67%, followed by mandatory 15.0% and other substitutes materials like t-shirt, hat and towel to covers the face because they are convenience to wear. To conclude, the study found that most workers do not use RPE at the factories. While using RPE, it is difficult to breathe, uncomfortable, annoyed about their work. Therefore, it should find ways to encourage workers to use RPE properly and appropriately.