Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: November | Volume: 9 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 85-90
Health Afflictions of Tea Plantation Workers in Coonoor, the Nilgiris
Mrs. P. Gayathri1, Dr. R. Arjunan2
1Ph.D. Research Scholar, Department of Social Work, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
2Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
Corresponding Author: Mrs. P. Gayathri
ABSTRACT
Background: Every individual worker is entitled to work in an environment where risks to their health and safety are properly controlled. Employers are responsible to consult with their employees or their representatives, on health and safety issues. The present study is an attempt to explore the health afflictions and availability of health benefits of the tea plantation workers, in Coonoor, Nilgiri District.
Methodology: a quantitative research approach with descriptive research design was used in the study. 50 tea estate workers were selected by simple random sampling technique. Prevalence of health problems and availability of health benefits among tea estate workers were assessed by self-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics
Results: It was observed that the workers are suffering from various disorders like fever, cough, back pain, hypertension, respiratory problems, skin problems, etc. Further, the workers do not show much interest to go to hospital for treatment. The workers are ignorant or are not conscious about personal hygiene and sanitation practices.
Conclusion: Health awareness among the tea plantation workers is very poor. Thus, the government as well as the authority of the tea management should consider this serious issue as an integral part of the developmental plan, for equitable and sustainable economic growth of the country.
Key words: tea estate, health afflictions, benefits, awareness, personal hygiene