DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2015.v03i02.072

Pages: 901-905

Workers employed in iron and steel industries are at greater risk for nonfatal injuries due to very complex nature of production processes, material handling and other related functions of iron and steel making. The present crosssectional descriptive study was carried out between Jul 2013 and Dec 2014 to assess the magnitude of injuries and some associated risk factors among 200 workers in Iron and Steel Industry in Nanded City (Maharashtra-India). History of work related injuries, associated risk factors and use of PPE was obtained as per the predesigned and pretested questionnaire and supplemented by clinical examination and by reviewing medical records. Data was analyzed by using Open Epi 3.03 version. 51.5% workers belonged to continuously exposed group (RMS, SMS, QCD) while 48.5% to intermittently exposed group (MAIN and ADMIN). Mean age of the workers was 35.26±8.66 years. Injury prevalence rate in this industry was found to be 61.50%. History of injury was present in 68.93% workers in continuously exposed group and 53.61% workers in intermittently exposed group. The most frequently injured body parts were hands (45%), lower limb (7.5%) and both lower and upper limb (7.5%). Most frequent type of injury reported were superficial injuries followed by burns and laceration. Significant statistical association was found between injury and continuously exposed departments, addiction of alcohol and exposure to heat. The study demonstrated a high rate of work related injuries. The industry should display safety information at appropriate places, provide training and promote and enforce use of PPE among workers.