Occupational health and safety of workers in small-scale industries in Karnataka: an analysis of nature and magnitude

Occupational and safety issues have a connection with various components in the regional economy since the provisions of health, hygiene and safety in the workplace contributes to economic growth processes in a number of ways. This paper attempts to examine the socio-economic conditions of the workers in SSIs and to assess the magnitude of common occupational health and safety measures among workers in SSIs and also to find out the major occupational health problems that are being faced by the workers in SSIs. This study is mainly based on primary data. Karnataka state is selected for the purpose of the present study. The total sample size of the study was 200 workers in SSIs. Simple statistical tools and techniques like simple averages, ratios, and percentage were employed for analysis of data. The main findings reveals that the majority of workers in SSIs were male.63.50 per cent sample respondents have competed secondary and higher secondary education. It has been found that a majority of sample respondents are not only dissatisfied with all aspects of health amenities but also safety mesures which are existing in their working place. Significant proportion of sample respondents have been suffering from joint pain, back pain, gastric ulcer, piles and generalized weakness.