OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARENESS AMONG INDUSTRIAL WORKERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

The research explored the health and safety of workers in the industrial sector in Rawalpindi, Pakistan; workplace risks for employees and the environment. The study identified poor conditions such as insufficient temperature, noise, lighting and low awareness of health and safety measures. Without ability to monitor the workplace, it is hard to understand the health risks of being exposed to chemicals place employees and those nearby in danger. Lack of protective equipment, combined with the health risk of cigarette smoke, pose greater risks for low income communities. The study recommends supplying equipment, awareness about hygiene practices, and educational campaigns. Based on the results of the Workplace Health and Safety Survey (Institute for Work & Health, 2016), which is a 27-items questionnaire provides an important understanding about safety in Rawalpindi’s industries and to look forward to a future with better conditions in workplace safety and health and standards. The findings indicate that there is moderate level of health and safety awareness and increased risks of safety hazards including chemical hazards in the people working in the Rawalpindi organizations.