Asian Journal of Home Science

D. S. Padmini ¹, A. Venmathi ², M. R. Duraisamy ³, A. K. Ganguli ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Family Resource Management, Home Science College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai (T.N.), IN
2 Indian Society of Ergonomics (ISE), Kolkata (W.B.), IN
3 Physical Science and Information Technology, Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore (T.N.), IN

Abstract

Introduction: The readymade garment (RMG) sector is labour-oriented and one of the largest employers in India and is a key driver of the national economy. But workers are exploited easily due to lack of technical knowledge and training, absence of health facilities and safety measures in work place. The triad of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) together make up the dynamic system of life itself. Objectives:To assess the levels of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) among garment workers.Materials and Methods:The present study was taken up in the Tirupur district which is situated in Tamil Nadu state, India. Five hundred and fourteen workers employed in garment industries were surveyed toassess their knowledge, attitude, and practice toward the occupational health and safety in garment industries. Results:The mean age of 514 garment workers was 30 (±8.7) years with mean work experience of 10 (±8.7) years. Above half of the workers (57%) were male and 43 per cent were female. Sixty per cent of the workers were married and 56 per cent of the workers had high school education. Of the workers, 41% were in permanent type of employment and 59% in temporary employment.Garment industry was categorized into three sections and workers were employed in cutting section (13%), stitching (48%) and finishing (39%).Majority of the work hours during regular days were between 11 and 12 hours (79%) while during peak days it exceeded 15 hours (93%).The mean and standard deviation of the total score of knowledge, attitude and practice were obtained to find the level of knowledge, attitude and practice among garment workers. The workers possessed medium level of knowledge (72%), attitude (93%) and practice (70%) about occupational health and safety.The variables namely knowledge, attitude and practice of workers employed in garment industries were found to be significant at one per cent indicating a good relationship among them.Conclusion:Safety training to increase knowledge and practicing habits need to be encouraged. Regular supervision to ensure and promote workplace safety and motivate the workers to use PPE regularly while at work is also recommended.

Keywords

Garment Workers, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, OHS.

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