Dust pollution in the working environment and silicosis cases of Thai Nguyen Steel Joint Stock Company in 2018

Abstract

Mechanics is a heavy industry with many occupational risk factors such as noise, hot microclimate, toxic gas, dust, etc. affecting the health of workers. This study was conducted to research dust in the working environment and the percentage of workers suffering from silicosis at Thai Nguyen Mechanical Joint Stock Company in 2018. This is a cross-sectional study with a survey about features of the dust present in the working environment at 11 positions and clinical examination, chest X-ray
in accordance with ILO standards, measuring respiratory function for 185 employees directly working in mechanical production lines. The results of the study indicate that there were 6 locations with concentration of free silicon in the respiratory dust exceeding the highest permissible standards, including foundry cleaning and fnishing areas of workshop 1 (0.35 mg/m3). The results also showed that there were 3 positions with concentration of free silicon in total dust exceeding the permissible limit, with the highest being in the casting and fnishing area of workshop 1 (0.63 mg/m3). The incidence of workers suffering from silicosis was 6.5%. The percentage of workers having Xray images of silicosis was 6.5% and all of them had small round opacities on X-ray flm, and 19 workers (10.3%) had dysfunction respiratory. The company should take appropriate measures to protect health workers, especially those with high experience.