The Model of Occupational Health and Safety Management by Community-Based Approach of Self-Employed Elderly Workers in Uttaradit Province, Thailand

This study employed participatory action research (PAR), aimed to analyze the occupational health and safety (OHS) situations of self-employed elderly workers and develop community participation processes for OHS management. It also sought to create and evaluate OHS management models in urban, semi-urban, and rural communities in Uttaradit province, Thailand. The research involved 350 self-employed elderly workers, selected through simple random sampling, and 60 key informants from the public sectors, selected purposively. Data were collected using structured interviews and group discussions, with content analysis employed for data interpretation.Urban elderly workers predominantly reported musculoskeletal discomfort due to prolonged sitting, while rural elderly faced heat-related illnesses. Semi-urban elderly encountered both ergonomic and physical hazards, including lifting heavy objects. Tailored interventions were identified: disease prevention for urban elderly, workplace safety training for semi-urban workers, and chemical safety practices for rural workers. Ergonomic challenges were pervasive across all settings. The development of community participation model involved situational analysis, priority setting, planning, knowledge management, and reflective practices. This evidence-based model is critical for addressing the specific OHS needs of self-employed elderly workers and enhancing health promotion and disease prevention within the community.