Occupational Health Hazards of Foundry and Casting Workers in Sidco, Coimbatore District

Abstract

An occupational health hazard is a condition that causes risk to labour health. The problem may be in a form of mental, physical and psychological in nature. There is a considerable attention for social and economic importance of work received because a primary function of work in any society is to produce and distribute goods and services. In work places, there is a positive influence on health which has not been fully exploited. The development and application of knowledge on work physiology and ergonomics needs to be further benefit the workers’ health. The foundry units are different from that of other industries because the materials used and processes varies and it result in occupational exposures to a wide range of hazard substances or workplace activities that could cause diseases, injury, ill health or death.  The present study analyses the occupational hazards and health issues faced by foundry and casting workers in SIDCO industrial estate, Coimbatore. The descriptive research design is used to carry out and the sample size is 07 foundry respondents who were employed in foundry and casting units in SIDCO Industrial estate, Coimbatore. The major hazards faced in the foundry and casting units were: heat, dangerous chemicals incorporating hazardous substances, air pollution which leads to skin allergy, noise pollution and metal molting. An awareness and health promotion programmes should supplement the workers to ensure their occupational safety and security of the foundry workers. The preventive measure inside the units for workers like health care hospitals, which include first-aid, emergency care services.