Morbidity Patterns among Agro-industrial Workers - A Review

Author: Aman Kumar, A.K. Shrivastava, A.K. Dave, Divakar Chaudhary and Purvi Tiwari

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Abstract

Agro-industries provides a large numbers of employment in the country and globally also. Now-a-days, these agro-industries almost mechanized, workers still engaged in carrying of objects in awkward postures, repetitive work and also carrying heavy loads and workplace also unhygienic, excessive noise, grain dust in rice/pulses mills and welding smog and glare at welding workshop. So, with the objective of identify morbidity pattern among selected agro-industries, the present work is to review the literature. The selected five major agro-industries are: rice mill, sugar industry, vegetable oil mill, pulses milling industry and agricultural implement/machinery manufacturing industry. After reviewed research paper from the scientific journals, selected agro-industries’ workers are exposed to dust, adverse microclimatic conditions, excessive noise, and insufficient light. Skin, eye and affected and many musculoskeletal disorders found among agro-industrial’s workers. Musculoskeletal disorder (low backache and joint pain), allergic rhinitis, cold, cough, tightness in the chest, difficulty in breathing, periodic cough and phlegm were also observed among workers in rice and pulses milling industry. The study concluded that respiratory morbidity and musculoskeletal disorders are quite high among agro-industrial workers. These conditions can be prevented by health and safety programs in industries, provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) need to be provided and their appropriate usage, and further studies are recommended on the selected topic.

Keywords

Agro-industries, workplace, respiratory system, musculoskeletal disorders, allergic rhinitis

Conclusion

The agricultural industry workers are exposed to dust, adverse microclimatic conditions, excessive noise, and insufficient light are among elements that in their work environment. Furthermore, there are various safety and health risks involved with grain handling operations, the two biggest causes of mortality being suffocation and falls. Fires, explosions, electrocutions, and injuries from badly guarded machinery are among the other dangers. Molds, chemical fumigants, and gases associated with deteriorating and fermenting silage can potentially cause exposure to grain dust and other airborne pollutants. In order to solve these problems, (work-related musculoskeletal disorders) WMSDs and other occupational health hazards need to be identified and analyzed. Foundational factors, development factors, psychosocial and physical workplace exposure are very important to be considered in any WMSDs study. In addition it is important to consider both psychosocial and physical workplace exposure in each study. Lacking in prospective and randomize trial study design also have been noticed, particular in selected five industries. This makes it difficult to establish a causal relationship in the investigations. Therefore more research are need to be conducted to provide more information for improving working practices and working environment by providing proper trainings and seminar to the workers about safety at workplace that will reduce work injuries and also improved productivity among workers in agricultural industry.

References

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How to cite this article

Aman Kumar, A.K. Shrivastava, A.K. Dave, Divakar Chaudhary and Purvi Tiwari (2023). Morbidity Patterns among Agro-industrial Workers - A Review. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(1): 432-438.