A Descriptive Study of Workplace Risk Assessment in the Automobile Sector of Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Aims: The auto sector in India contributes 7.1% of the country's GDP and is predicted to earn USD 810.3 billion by 2026. However, India has a greater death rate and poorer job safety than the United States, where industrial accidents happen 20 times more frequently. Musculoskeletal disorders are a significant cause of disability and accidents at work. The goal of the study was to evaluate the existing working conditions in the automobile industry, where mechanics play a crucial role in precision. Study Design: The present study was carried out in Uttarakhand at Udham Singh Nagar district, block Rudrapur; Nainital district, block Haldwani; and Almora district, block Dwarahat. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select the study area and samples. The total 75 respondents and 14 garages were selected. Methodology: A checklist was developed to get information about the health status of garage workers, awareness of occupational hazards, use of personal protective equipment, risk assessment, and workplace analysis. Results: The study reveals that Udham Singh Nagar garages provide cent per cent PPE to their workers, while Nainital and Almora districts lack proper facilities. Nearly half of workers lack worksite cleaning facilities, slip-resistant floors, spray booths, dip tanks, and clean toilets. Additionally, a quarter of garages require adjustments to work height, foot platforms, item holders, work-rotation systems, hanging toolboxes, and hazardous chemical container labeling. Conclusion: 7.1% of India's GDP is contributed by the auto industry, which is projected to generate $810.3 billion by 2026. In contrast to the US, the nation has a greater fatality rate and a worse level of workplace safety, and industrial accidents happen there 20 times more frequently. According to a survey conducted in Uttarakhand, whereas Nainital and Almora districts lack adequate amenities, Udham Singh Nagar garages offer cent per cent PPE to employees. There aren't enough clean restrooms, or there aren't enough slip-resistant floors for the majority of employees.