OCCUPATIONAL DISABILITY AMONG SOLDIERS: RECONNOITRE ON THE TRENDS

Background: This study examines the nature and trend of occupational disabilities among soldiers wherein data of two decades has been considered. The study was conducted to uncover the associated occupational risks involved and to open the path for taking adequate preventive measures for controlling the risk of disability among soldiers. Objective: To evaluate the nature and trend of occupational disability among Indian soldiers and classify the disability as role and rank. Methods: This research is descriptive in nature. Primary data is collected through questionnaires and interviews of disabled soldiers whereas secondary data is drawn from magazines, defence manuals, army newsletters, government notifications, etc. Trend analysis has been used to analyse the data. Results: This study has helped to unearth the detailed classification and analysis of ranks and roles of soldiers, the nature and trend of the disability observed among the soldiers. Results indicate that amputation of limbs is mostly observed in riflemen whereas quadriplegia disability is evenly observed in all the ranks. Conclusions: The findings of this study be useful for designing strategies to avoid possible risks of injuries and disabilities to the soldiers. Prevention measures for risks and injuries will result into reduction of medical care cost, rehabilitation efforts and long-term disability pay. These results can further be useful in job redesign by considering ergonomic, engineering and safety training for the soldiers.