Working Environment and Health Challenges of Women Workers in Home-based Bangle Manufacturing Units in Firozabad City.

Firozabad is famous for its glass and bangle manufacturing industries worldwide. It lies under the unorganized sector and a significant part of this work force is formed by women as most of the processes involved in bangle making take place at Home-based manufacturing units by them. They have to work in the harsh and contaminated working conditions which lead to the various health challenges. This paper focuses on the working conditions or environment of the Home-based bangle manufacturing units and the consequences of the work induced hazards on the mental and physical health of the women workers. The data is collected from 50 women respondents who are engaged in Home-based bangle manufacturing units with the help of Interview schedule and Field observations. This study features that the majority of women feel unsafe due to the presence of flammable objects like kerosene, gas cylinder, fire flames etc. The working place is congested or cramped without proper lighting and safety measures. The constant fear of getting burnt is there among these Home-based women workers. Working for longer hours in improper postural support result in musculoskeletal pain, eye pain and watering and skin irritation. Along with this, women workers also face psychological challenges like stress, anxiety and seclusion which occur due to excessive workload, time pressure, low wages, longer working hours and job insecurity. This necessitates the urge for appropriate policy measures to enhance the working environment of women workers in Home-based bangle manufacturing units of Firozabad city.