Incidence, types and associated factors of occupational injuries among sewing machine operators in selected garment factories at the Export Processing Zone, Awissawella

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Occupational injuries are a major entity which is on the rise in the whole world. For timery interventions it is necessary to identify the reasons for the injuries to reduce the burden. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, types and associated factors of occupational injuries among sewing machine operators in selected garment factories at the Export Processing Zone. Awissawella. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted between August to September 2012 to determine the incidence during the three month period immediately prior to the survey. Sample size computed was 423. Sample was selected randomly from each of the four selected factories. Total number included from individual factory was based on probability proportionate to size of total number of sewing machine operators in each factory. A pre tested self administered Sinhala questionnaire was administered, Chi square test was used to test for associations and a probability of less than 0.05 was selected as the significant level. Bivariate analysis was done and the results were expressed as Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). RESULTS: Response rate was 99.8% (n=422). The incidence of occupational injuries was 52.1 (95% CI: 33.0 - 77.9) per 1000 workers for the three month period with an estimate of 208.4 (95% CI: 170.7 - 250.5) per 1000 workers per year. The commonest mode of injuries was needle pricks (40.9%; n=9J. Fingers (72.7%; n=16J were commonly affected resulting in cut injuries or puncture wounds (36.4%; n=8J. Being a male (OR 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2 - 6.1, p = 0.04J, being ever married (OR 2.8; 95% CI: 1.05 - 8.3, p = 0.04) and having experience in the garment field (OR 3.5; 95% CI: 1.2 – 12.5, p = 0.02) were significantly associated with sustenance of injuries. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Incidence observed is considered high despite probable under reporting. The associated factors were non modifiable. Therefore recommend appropriate preventive measures with emphasis on regular in service training sessions. Future research should focus on conducting prospective studies.