To Assess the Physical Morbidity Profile among the Welders

Abstract

Introduction: The welding profession poses many health hazards that the welders are exposed to everyday during working time. This leads to a large number of health consequences and diseases. Worldwide 10 million employees are exposed to iron fumes. Most are exposed by inhaling welding fumes that have iron as their main component. Exposure to iron fumes in steel mills and iron/steel foundries is also significant. \nBackground: For welders it is most important to take safety measures during working time. Welders are exposed to various types of hazardous substances that can affect their health. Worldwide welder’s morbidity is in a large number of welders affected. We conducted a study to find the physical morbidity pattern of welders in the Wardha region. \nObjective- To assess the physical morbidity profile among the welders, and associate the physical morbidity profile with selected demographical variables in Wardha, India. \nMethods: A purposive sample was conducted among 100 welders to identify the physical morbidity among welders. Welding workshop in separated space outside and inside the city of Wardha.one way ANOVA and t-test used to estimate the degree of association between the physical morbidity profile and the selected demographic variables. \nResults: All welders were having some type of physical morbidity. The most frequent issues with the welding workers are injury to the eyes and skin. Age of welding worker, educational qualification, experience of welding work, hours worked per day are in association with the physical morbidity among welders. \nConclusion: In this study, the physical morbidity pattern of welders is identified. 87% welders were identified with mild physical morbidity and 13% of welders with moderate physical morbidity. Need some training program for welders to do right and safety welding and certificated course for welders.