Health promotion and disease prevention of workers in small and medium factories, Rayong province

Abstract

Introduction: This project was aimed to promote health and prevent diseases among the employees in the factoriesof appropriate and increase access to health services for employees.

Method: We used the concept of risk assessment, disease prevention and occupational health nursing. Weselected factories that could hardly access to occupational health services, and ended up working with6 factories in Rayong province. We provided walk through survey, risk assessment and health checkupdesign, checkup, health education and evaluation during January-December 2012

Result: 6 factories were 2 medium factories and 4 small factories. Their businesses were frozen foods, logistics,production of fish sauce, production of tank mounted on a truck, production of radio-controlledplane and printing. The major health risks of 767 workers were ergonomics, noise above standard of85 dB(A), and hazardous chemicals. The results of health checkup showed that most (27.06%) hadabnormal examination requiring surveillance, and physician attention (3.01 percent). After health promotionand developed self care, employees had increased knowledge and the difference was significant(p < 0.05). One factory volunteered for hearing conservation program by workplace modification,personal protective equipments supply, and health education for workers.

Discussion and Conclusion: Employees received concrete health promotion and disease prevention. Raising awareness, modifyingthe workplace and occupational health service required negotiation skills, persuasion and convincing,counseling, mentor and collaboration with multidisciplinary team. Continuing consultation is crucial toachieve sustainable access to occupational health services for employees.