Innovative Practices in Occupational Health at a Large Scale Petrochemical Industry ? Task Based Health Risk Assessment

Introduction: All the medical examinations for the workers in an industry are based on prevailing occupational health stressors at work place and their predictive illnesses. Task Based Health Risk Assessment (TBHRA) is an innovation in occupational health services at Reliance Industries Limited by combined input of industrial hygienist and occupational health physician. It is done at the working platform of the workers which helps in mitigation of occupational health hazards and prevention of work related illness/ injury.Aims and Objectives: 1. To assess the occupational health hazards as per the individual’s task. 2. To measure the hazard exposure risk profile of the individual and to rectify it with the help of control measures. 3. To make exposure data linked to each employee or group of employees available during medical surveillance. 4. To provide a healthy working environment by preventing the occurrence of the diseases among the employees. Methodology: Occupational health hazards are measured through various qualitative and quantitative risk assessment tools during the walk through survey of the individual plant area. As per the duration & frequency of the task performed by the worker at a particular location, mapping and analysis of all health hazards are done, like noise, heat stress, indoor air quality, ergonomics, vibration, radiation, illumination & chemical exposure etc. A comprehensive report is prepared with all recommendations, which is shared with the respective plant for corrective measures. The exposure data linked to each employee with the detailed analysis is uploaded in the “Health Management System” & individual worker is assessed at the time of Periodic Medical Examination. Based on his exposure risk profile & medical record, further advice is given and follow up is maintained. Results & Discussion: Employees at Hazira manufacturing division, Reliance Industries Limited are mapped as per the job performed & the risk exposure profile is linked with the “Health Management System” which is monitored during the medical surveillance. Various implementations related to Health & Environment are carried out as per the recommendations of Task Based Health Risk Assessment (TBHRA) study.Conclusion: Identifying and preventing the development of occupational health hazards as well as strengthening the occupational health services by implementation of Task Based Health Risk Assessment (TBHRA) is the most successful step for any industry to create conducive work environment for healthy work force.