Assessment of Occupational Health of Workers in Floriculture Industry in Rural Maharashtra

Abstract

Introduction: Unskilled agricultural workers are vulnerable to occupational induced health problems. Working in pesticide intensive environment of a polyhouse can lead to various health hazards. There are not many Indian studies regarding health risks and safety practices among floriculture workers and magnitude of the problem in India. Aims and Objectives: To assess occupational morbidities in polyhouse workers in floriculture industry in rural Maharashtra. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was undertaken in 6 floriculture units of Floriculture Park. Sociodemographic, work and health related variables were recorded using a pretested structured questionnaire. Clinical examination and laboratory investigations were done by medical experts. Results: Overall morbidity was 89.83%, with respiratory problems prevalent in 66.94%, followed by musculoskeletal problems (62.5%). Itching was reported by 42(35.59%) of the study population. Three forth female workers and 23% male workers had pallor. Conclusion: Alarmingly high prevalence (93%) of occupational morbidities found in our study underlines the need of health education to the workers as well as guidelines for safe occupational practices to the owners of the farms