ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG PNEUMATIC HAND-HELD DRILL WORKERS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Health problems among pneumatic hand held drill workers are very common. These occupational diseases are caused by permanent vibration exposures. Drilling into concrete or metal ceilings is associated with pain and musculoskeletal disorders at the wrist, forearm, shoulder and back. Osteoarthritis may develop in those workers who are predisposed to the disease. Objective of this study was to assess health problems among pneumatic hand held drill workers.
METHODS: This descriptive cross sectional study was done from September, 2011 till November, 2011 in the region of Barakaho and Taxila among the road builders using drilling devices. A sample of 100 drill workers was taken.The drill workers were selected with convenient sampling. The study tool was a structured questionnaire.
RESULTS: The results of the present study showed that the prevalence of health problems among hand held pneumatic drill workers was 82% out of 100 drill workers. Among 82% workers with health problems 22(26%) workers were between 22-27 years of age, 20 (24.39%) workers among 28-33years of age and 40 (48.78%) workers were more than 33years. Among those having health problem i.e 82%, 53% were having 5-8 years of work experience and 29% were having work experience more than 8 years.
CONCLUSION: Permanent vibration exposures cause negative physical effects that may lead to occupational diseases. There is lack of awareness about vibration hazard and its ill effects. In order to be protected against these technical and medical measures must be taken into account.
KEY WORDS: Pneumatic Drill Workers, Osteoarthritis, Musculoskeletal.