The Morbidity Profile and Working conditions of Handloom Weavers in Tamil Nadu - A Descriptive Study

Handloom weaving is one among the most culturally significant, age-old industries in India. But it is largely unorganized, exposing workers to various occupational health hazards and suboptimal working conditions. Recognizing and addressing their health issues is very crucial.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 handloom weavers aged >18 years and of both sexes selected by cluster sampling method from July 2023 to September 2023 in Kanchipuram district in Tamil Nadu. After obtaining ethical approval, the data were collected by face-to-face interview method using a questionnaire designed using previous literatures, Ergonomic Evaluation Checklist, and the Nordic standard musculoskeletal questionnaire and the working environment details were recorded by observation. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (IBM) and expressed as percentages or mean with standard deviation.

Many were at the age group of 41-60 years with mean (SD) of 45.85 (±10.37) and majority were males (n = 231, 70%). Their average total duration of work was 13.52 years. The working h per day was 8.65 h. The mean overall Ergonomic Index was 29.29%. Workstation design and adaptability (23.67%), working posture (6.30%), and general conditions (32.98%) were all noticeably poor indicated sub-optimal ergonomic conditions, despite the Hand Tool Design Index was satisfactory (63.28%). The common health problems reported were musculoskeletal disorders (n = 261,79.10%), eye problems (n = 167, 50.60%), respiratory problems (n = 49,14.80%), and gastrointestinal problems (n = 46, 13.90%).

This study revealed a considerable health problems and risk among handloom weavers, highlighting the need for interventions to improve health monitoring, and working environment.