A Study of the Occupational Health Status of Sewage and Sanitary Workers in Avaniyapuram at Madurai District

The term may be used to mean raw sewage, sewage sludge or septic tank waste. Raw sewage is mainly water containing excrement, industrial effluent and debris, such as sanitary towels, condoms, plastic etc. 2 of 3 pages Health and Safety Executive Working with sewage Excrement is the major source of harmful micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses and parasites. Sewage treatment reduces the water content and removes debris, but does not kill or remove all the micro organisms. The working conditions of the sewage and sanitary workers have remained virtually unchanged for over a century. Using only a stick broom and a small tin plate, the sanitary workers clear feces from public and private latrines onto baskets or other containers, which they then carry on their heads to dumping grounds and disposalsites. Apart from the social atrocities that these workers face, they are also exposed to certain health problems by virtue of their occupation. These health hazards include exposure to harmful gases, cardiovascular degeneration, musculoskeletal disorders, infections, skin problems and respiratory system problems. An assessment has been done for the occupational hazard at sewage through haemoglobin concentration and total erythrocyte count. A decrement in Total Leukocyte count (TLC), Different Leukocyte Count (DLC) and Haemoglobin concentration (Hb conc.) has been found in sewage and sanitary workers which is alarming to take rehabilitates steps.