OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PROBLEMS OF WOMEN MIGRANT CONSTRUCTION SITE WORKERS IN CHENNAI, SOUTHERN INDIA: A MIXED METHOD STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Migrant construction site women workers encounter several issues like inadequate pay, health problems, sexual abuse and denial of their fundamental rights like long duration of working hours without adequate rest, rights of migrant worker’s children to get education, quarters to stay with proper sanitation. About 214 million people that is 3 per cent of the world’s population are living outside their country of birth. Men, women, children, adolescents and families are crossing international borders to improve their living conditions and sometimes to ensure their survival. This study on women migrant workers will help to identify the problems, economic, occupational, health status of the women migrant workers in the field of study.

Objective: To identify the occupational health issues and exploration experienced by women migrant workers at the construction site in Chennai, South India.

Materials & methods: A mixed-methods study was carried out from April to May 2024 involving 100 migrant women construction workers in Chennai, utilizing purposive sampling. The study included women over the age of 18 who had migrated from other districts of Tamil Nadu and had been employed for more than six months. Exclusions were made for non-migrants, individuals over 60 years of age, unwilling participants, and those on psychiatric medication. Data collection comprised a semi-structured questionnaire for quantitative data and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 10 participants to gather qualitative insights. The IDIs were conducted in Tamil, recorded with the participants' consent, and were further supported by field notes. Quantitative data were entered into MS Excel 2021, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis.

Results: The research indicated that the predominant occupational health concerns faced by migrant women in the construction sector included back pain (44%), shoulder pain (26%), leg pain (21%), and skin ailments (9%). Participants also noted their exposure to heat stress, dust, noise, vibrations, and occurrences of physical harassment, in addition to experiencing low wages and job-related stress. Although the incidence of workplace accidents was relatively low (20%), considerable deficiencies in safety infrastructure were observed, with 80% of respondents indicating the lack of fencing or barriers to deter unauthorized access. While 70% of the participants expressed contentment with the current health and safety protocols, a significant issue was the absence of toilet facilities for the disposal of sanitary pads, as reported by 90% of the participants.

Conclusion: To improve the well-being of migrant women construction workers, regular medical camps should be organized to address their health needs proactively. Social workers can play a key role in raising awareness about the rights of these women, empowering them to advocate for safer and fairer working conditions. Additionally, NGOs should actively engage in implementing welfare initiatives and safeguarding the rights of migrant women workers through support services, legal aid, and advocacy efforts.