Occupational Health and Safety Practices Among Coal Mine Workers in Pakistan

Coal mining operations lead to a wide range of health hazards that may cause serious injuries, deaths, and other health problems. The intricate relationship between health-related issues and occupational safety practices among coal mine workers in Pakistan. Objective: To identify occupational health issues and safety measures application among coal mine workers in Sindh, Pakistan. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from Oct 2023- Feb 2024 by the department of community medicine and public health Sciences at the surrounding area of Lakhra coal mines, Taluka Manjhand, District Jamshoro, Pakistan. All the currently working individuals in the coal mines for the last six months, age 20 to 60 years and those who gave consent to participate in the study were included. Results: Out of 317 coal mine workers, total 36.6% cases had breathing difficulty, 31.9% were suffering from cough, 14.2% of the respondent had musculoskeletal issues, 59.3% had skin problems, 57.4% had eye problems, 9.1% of the cases had hearing problems, 14.0% cases were diabetics, 27.1% were hypertensive and 4.4% of the cases had cardiovascular disease. Only 3.8% of the respondent were trained on the proper use of safety measures by their organizations. Conclusions: Coal miners were suffering from numerous occupational health issues with predominance of respiratory illness along eye and skin related issues. No proper protective measures were practiced by the coal miners while no proper health facility, alternate oxygen and drinking water facility available for the coal mine workers.