A program for thai rubber tappers to improve the cost of occupational health and safety

Effect of MSDs and scope of ergonomic interventions among rubber processing workers: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The rubber processing workers experience various types of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to awkward postures, repetitive movements, and manual loads etc. Research on MSDs and ergonomic interventions in this area is limited. Therefore, the present systematic review aims to (i) identify various operations done by rubber processing workers and their associated MSDs, (ii) explore the ergonomic intervention and post-intervention study and its impact among the workers, (iii) identify the research gaps in MSDs and ergonomic interventions through bibliometric analysis.

METHODS

Comprehensive electronic searches were conducted in Web of Science, ScienceDirect and PubMed for the search term "Ergonomics" or "Musculoskeletal disorder" and "Rubber" for the article published before 2020. Eleven papers were identified for the review of MSDs and ergonomic interventions; data were extracted to summarize sample size, data collection methods, analyzing tools, various operations, MSDs, and ergonomic interventions.

RESULTS

The reviewed article is classified according to various operations such as rubber tapping, latex collection, rubber sheeting and sheet pressing. The review reveals that most of the workers experience lower back pain, which involved a traditional way of operating. Every author is trying to recommend some interventions, but post-intervention studies are limited.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the limited post-intervention study, there is a scope of ergonomic interventions in every operation. So, the implementation of a proper ergonomic tool with adequate awareness improves the MSDs among the rubber processing workers. The review will help to identify the various intervention gaps in different operations associated with rubber farming.

Using Action Research to prevent work-related illness among rubber farmers in Northeastern Thailand

OBJECTIVES

This research aimed to enhance self-care among rubber farmers for preventing work-related illness.

DESIGN AND SAMPLE

The project used Action Research's four phase iterative process: fact-finding to understand the problems, action planning, action plan implementation, and evaluation and reflection on action plan impacts. Sixty-six participants (46 rubber farmers and 20 community stakeholders) were purposively recruited from two villages in the top 10 rubber producing provinces in Northeastern Thailand.

MEASURES

Demographic and work-related illness data were collected in face-to-face structured interviews, Focus group interviews and participant observations were used to collect data in each project phase. Night group meetings were held throughout the research phases. The intervention included training workshops and establishing a community health education team for ongoing farmer support.

RESULTS

Results showed improved farmer self-care behaviors and establishment of a community health education team to encourage farmers to care for themselves properly.

CONCLUSION

Community nurses, other health personnel, and the Thai government can build on initiatives like this to strengthen occupational health and safety practices and services policy for rubber farmers.

Prevalence of occupational injury and its contributing factors among rubber tappers in Galle, Sri Lanka

BACKGROUND

Rubber tapping involves carrying heavy loads, navigating rough terrain, and using sharp tools. However, little is known about occupational injury among this vulnerable working population.

OBJECTIVE

To assesses the prevalence, severity, and contributing factors associated with occupational injury among Sri Lankan rubber tappers and to identify possible interventions to improve occupational safety.

METHODS

A questionnaire was administered to 300 Sri Lankan rubber tappers. The associations between tapper characteristics and injury within the last year were examined using log-binomial regression models. Short response answers were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

300 tappers reported 594 injuries in the previous 12 months, and missed 1,080 days of work. The prevalence of one or more injuries was 49%. Factors associated with injury were being female, working an additional job, tapping with a two-handed approach, and depressive symptomology. Qualitative findings suggest three interventions to address injuries: (1) landscaping, (2) personal protective equipment, and (3) provision of eyeglasses.

CONCLUSIONS

Work-related injuries are common among Sri Lankan rubber tappers. These results highlight the importance of working with and including informal workers in the creation of Sri Lankan occupational health and safety regulations. We believe that the three interventions identified by respondents could help to reduce the risk of occupational injury among rubber tappers.