Occupational Health Hazards of Women Beedi Industry Workers: A Case Study of Tufanganj Block-I, India

The beedi industry is an essential unorganized small-scale sector in rural Koch Bihar, as well as in India, with a large number of women workers directly engaged in beedi making. A number of health hazard arise during the period of the making process. Beedi industry is nearly an unorganized sector; hence even the government officials find it difficult to introduce the various legal requirements. Apart from the other legal implications, the health hazards of the women employees who are rolling the beedis are enormous. The study’s main objectives are to find out the occupational health hazard and musculoskeletal discomfortness of beedi worker of Tufanganj Block-I, West Bengal, India. A purposive sampling technique will select participants from various beedi production areas in the Tufanganj Block-I region. This study will consider women workers directly involved in the beedi-making industry. Beedi rollers show a higher prevalence of various issues, including cough (65.5% vs. 13.45%), gas-related problems (65.5% vs. 35.5%), and headaches (74.5% vs. 35.5%), compared to the control group. Notably, the upper back emerges as a significant area of discomfort for both groups, with beedi rollers experiencing a higher total Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) index score (3260) and percentage (9.99%) compared to the control group (1850, 14.42%). By uncovering the occupational health hazards faced by beedi industry workers in Tufanganj Block-I, this study aims to raise awareness among policymakers, health authorities, and stakeholders about the urgent need for effective preventive measures and improved working conditions.