A study of awareness and use of personal protective eyewear among welders in a tier 2 city in South India

Background: Ocular injuries are one of the most common health hazards among welders all over the world. Usage of personal protective eyewear (PPE) plays a key role in occupational safety and welfare of welders. Aim: To assess the awareness and use of PPE among welders in a tier 2 city and the factors influencing it. Design: Analytical, cross sectional study. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted among 60 welders in a tier 2 city in the month of May 2017.The study included a semi structured questionnaire based on demographic details, literacy levels, awareness of eye hazards, PPE awareness and use with factors influencing it. Previous history of common eye problems faced was noted and their eyes were examined to assess their ocular health status. Statistical analysis used: Chi Square test, Fisher's Exact probability test, Odds ratios and Logistic regression analysis. Results: The awareness of eye hazards and PPE awareness was seen in 95% of the welders; however the regular use of PPE was noted only in 45% of them. The most important factors for using PPE were higher level of literacy and formal training in industrial work as noted in ITI (industrial training institute) workers. The reasons for not using PPE were absence of reinforcement and a non-tenable presumption that they were involved in a relatively low risk task. Conclusion: The usage of PPE was found to be poor although the awareness regarding PPE was good. There was a large gap between awareness and use of PPE. This study stresses the need for positive reinforcement, education and training to welders to lessen this gap.