Occupational Health Risk Factors and Morbidity among Informal Sector Workers in Traditional bamboo hand fan-making in Ban Phraek District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand

Abstract

        This research aimed to: (1) investigate occupational health hazards among informal workers engaged in traditional fan production in Ban Phraek District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province; and (2) examine work-related illnesses and injuries among these informal workers. The study sample consisted of 102 individuals engaged in bamboo hand fan-making in Ban Phraek District. The research instrument was an interview questionnaire developed through a comprehensive literature review to assess occupational health hazards as well as work-related illnesses and injuries among bamboo hand fan-making workers. The questionnaire comprised three parts: Part 1 collected personal and occupational information, including sex, age, educational level, marital status, underlying diseases, and household income. Part 2 assessed occupational health hazard exposures. Part 3 addressed illnesses and injuries associated with exposure to occupational health hazards.                                                                                                           The results revealed that the major occupational health hazards among the sample were ergonomic factors, including repetitive use of hands or arms (84.27%), prolonged sitting on the floor while working (66.67%), and bending or twisting of the torso (49.01%). Chemical hazards included exposure to paints and adhesives (25.49%) and wood or fabric dust (33.33%). Additionally, 70.59% of participants reported working with sharp materials. The most commonly reported symptoms were neck pain (89.22%), back pain (59.80%), pain in the arms, hands, wrists, and fingers (41.18%), and eye strain (30.39%). Approximately 75.93% had experienced minor injuries, primarily from sharp objects (77.78%), affecting fingers and wrists (72.22%). Significant risk factors included exposure to solvents (OR = 13.8), noise (OR = 6.2), inadequate lighting (OR = 3.1), prolonged sitting, and working with sharp objects (OR = 12.6), all of which were statistically significant (p < .05). The study indicates the need to strengthen occupational health and environmental surveillance systems in order to effectively prevent and control work-related illnesses and injuries, thereby improving the occupational health status of informal workers engaged in fan production.