Occupational Health Hazards Encountered by the Workers of Spice Manufacturing Units in Ludhiana

The aim of the present research was to explore the occupational health hazards encountered by the workers working in spice manufacturing units in Ludhiana. In spice manufacturing units, the raw materials are cleaned, crushed, ground, mixed and packed. This work to a large extent is done manually; as a result the skin of the workers is heavily exposed to irritant dusts of spices. Causing adverse health effects, including upper respiratory tract irritation, skin complaints and allergies. It was observed that only 37.5 per cent of the workers use plastic gloves as a protective measure. None of them use mask and ear muffs as protective accessory. However, majority of the female workers use dupatta to cover their face. The need of the hour presses upon the awareness on the use of protective clothing/accessory. Reduction of exposure to causative agents is the principle preventive method for dermatitis and contact allergies. Thus, it is recommended that awareness should be generated among the spice mill workers about the use of personnel protective devices like face mask, gloves and ear muffs.