Tobacco processing workers’ body mapping analysis identified occupational illnesses and assisted in investigating risk factors

BackgroundDespite its economic benefits, the tobacco processing industry poses health risks to workers due to occupational hazards. Body mapping can help gather evidence about the work effects on the body.ObjectiveTo assess the occupational health of tobacco processing workers by body mapping.MethodsBody mapping data were collected from one hundred private industry tobacco processing workers in November, 2024. The other data were collected by health professional workers (body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, random blood glucose, height, and weight).ResultsA survey of one hundred employees revealed that many workers reported experiencing pain in the areas of the left (35%) and right shoulder (36%) and the waist (26%). Additionally, wound complaints were predominantly noted in the left (9%) and right finger (8%) areas, while bruising was less prevalent among the sample. Complaints of itching or redness were most frequently reported in the left (7%) and right forearm (10%) areas. The other general health of the workers mostly showed a normal result. Statistical analysis on 4 major pain locations showed significant results in body mass index (BMI) for each left and right shoulder, in duration and type of work for the back, but none for the buttocks.ConclusionsBased on this study, we can divide three groups of possible causes of workers' complaints, i.e., ergonomic problems, contact dermatitis, and injury by sharp objects. Several risk factors were the BMI, the type and duration of work. Further investigation is required to ascertain other causes and to determine appropriate countermeasures.