Abstract

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH HAZARDS OF WORKERS ENGAGED IN THRESHING OF MUSTARD CROP

M. Mehta, S.Gandhi, N. Pruthi

Volume: 5 Issue: 1 2015

Abstract:

Harvesting of mustard is commonly done in the month of April. After cutting crop, farmers hire the thresher and work continuously day & night to complete the threshing process. Agriculture, being a family occupation, most of the family members including women, are involved in performing this activity. During threshing lots of dust is generated and farmers are exposed to high levels of organic dust during this work causing health hazards. The present study was carried out to assess the occupational health hazards in threshing of mustard crop. Fifteen worker engaged in threshing of mustard crop were selected. Environmental conditions and occupational health hazards in threshing of mustard crop were assessed using interview schedule, observation and use of equipments. Inappropriate environmental conditions put unnecessary strain on the worker. Results revealed that during the activity temperature increased from 36.7oC to 44.1oC and humidity decreased from 42.3 % to 24.2 %, putting thermal stress on the worker. The carbon dioxide level during the threshing activity was 380 ppm, which was quite higher than recommended level. The particulate matter rose from 80 g/m3 to 160 g/m3 making the conditions terrible for the workers. Cuts and abrasions were observed due to pricking of dry straw while collecting and lifting the crop bundles for feeding into chute of the thresher. Cent percent respondents reported irritation in eyes (3.0) followed by throat (2.93), nose & ears (2.8 each). Body discomfort in different parts depicted that during threshing severe to very severe discomfort was in wrists (4.8), ankle/feet (4.7), hands (4.5) and shoulders (4.3). Overall discomfort score on 10 point scale was 8.2 for threshing activity interpreting that respondents felt this activity as very heavy activity & they reported quite high level of discomfort during the activity.

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