@article{ref1,
title="Occupational health issues in small-scale industries in Sri Lanka: an underreported burden",
journal="Work",
year="2016",
author="Suraweera, Inoka K. and Wijesinghe, Supun D. and Senanayaka, Sameera J. and Herath, Hemantha D. B. and Jayalal, T. B. Ananda",
volume="55",
number="2",
pages="263-269",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Work-related diseases and occupational accidents affect a significant number of workers globally. The majority of these diseases and accidents are reported from developing countries; and a large percentage of the workforce in developing countries is estimated to be employed in small-scale industries. Sri Lanka is no exception. These workers are exposed to occupational hazards and are at a great risk of developing work- related diseases and injuries. <br><br>OBJECTIVE: To identify occupational health issues faced by small-scale industry workers in Sri Lanka. <br><br>METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among workers in four selected small-scale industry categories in two districts of Sri Lanka. A small-scale industry was defined as a work setting with less than 20 workers. Cluster sampling using probability proportionate to size of workers was used. Eighty clusters with a cluster size of eight from each district were selected. Data was collected using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. <br><br>RESULTS: Our study surveyed 198 industries. Headache (2.2%, 95% CI 1.5-3.1) and eye problems (2.1%, 95% CI 1.4-2.9) were the commonest general health issues detected. Back pain (4.8%, 95% CI 3.8-6.1) was the most prevalent work-related musculoskeletal pain reported. Knee pain was the second highest (4.4%, 95% CI 3.4-5.6). Most of the work-related musculoskeletal pain was either of short duration or long lasting. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Work-related musculoskeletal pain was much more common than the general health issues reported. Health promotional programs at workplaces focusing ergonomics will benefit the workers at small-scale industries inSri Lanka.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1051-9815",
doi="10.3233/WOR-162397",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/WOR-162397"
}