Abstract :
Background: Safai karmchari plays an important role in maintaining the health and hygiene in the cities. This
job exposes safai karmchari to a variety of risk factors such as dust, volatile organic matter and mechanical
stress, which makes them susceptible to certain occupational diseases. The aim of this study was to find
out the awareness about occupational health hazard and safety measures practiced by safai karmchari.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive study had been carried out during the month of December 2017
to mid of February 2018 in the New Delhi Municipal Council area. Primary data was collected through
structured observation checklist and interview with 164 safai karmchari. The data was analyzed using
Microsoft excel 2007.
Results: Results shows majority of respondent had knowledge about probability of skin allergy/injury/infection
while collecting garbage by hand. Most of them had knowledge about probability of traffic accident while
working on street. Most of respondents had knowledge about probability of fall while sweeping slippery
surface and probability of respiratory problems/eye allergy, also probability of musculoskeletal problems
due to their work. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) apron with reflector, shoes, cap, mask were used
by most of the safai karmchari, but few of them uses gloves while working.
Conclusion: It was concluded that the knowledge about occupational hazards as well as its preventive
measures was more among trained safai karmchari than in untrained safai karmchari. However, a smaller
number of respondents was using PPE while working. There is a need to develop SOP for different activities
and preventive measure for safai karmchari. A training program should be introduced.
Keyword :
Municipality, Occupational Hazard, PPE, Safai karmchari