Eye Health: Awareness prog for steel fabrication, welding workers in Dimapur

October 13, 2023 56 Views No Comment

Dimapur, October 13 (MExN): Dimapur District National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCB&VI) observed the 24th World Sight Day 2023 at Chapel Hall, District Hospital Dimapur under the theme ‘love your eyes at work’ on October 12. A press release stated here that the day was marked by organising an awareness programme for steel fabrication, welding workers on October 12.

Dr Asonla Aying, Senior Specialist and Nodal Officer (NPCB&VI) stated that eye is one of the most important sense organs and in aligned with the theme this year, the awareness programme has been organised specially focusing on those whose eye sight is most vulnerable at workplace such as steel fabrication welders.

Dr Aying stated that while welding, there are three main components involved viz., electricity, light, and heat. She stated that as electricity is needed for any welding works, most welders work are vulnerable to electric shock or electrocution especially if they are working on wet surface or using wet clothing. The sparks produced while welding, known as welding arc, causes radiation upto 50 feets which affects the public when they pass by or those public nearby. Workers without any protective covering expose their skins and eyes to this radiation.

She stated that the heat produced while welding is considered to be hotter than the sun and thus many workers do not want to wear any protections. However, prolong exposure to such heat and radiation without proper protective gears may be most harmful to the eyes and skin. Protective gears such as safety gloves, safety goggles with shade, shoes, hard hats, vest, respirator, and full body suits should be worn by welders.

She further stated that workers who use hammer and chisel, farmers, etc besides welders are those who eye sights are most vulnerable at work. Wood particles, insects or plant particles can easily get inside the eyes and without proper medical care, workers may permanently damage their eye sights.

She, therefore, urged the employers to provide basic protective gears to their worker and also educate them on the safety instructions and how best to protect themselves at work. She further sensitized the participants on organ donation and encouraged them to pledge their organs. She stated that organ donation is a life-saving act to help transform the life of someone in need after you die.

Manpai Phom, Administrator, Dimapur Municipal Council, speaking on the occasion as special guest, stated that most workers of such trades like steel fabrication knows how to protect themselves however do not use an protective gears due to some discomfort such as heat or difficulty to move easily.

He stated that the negative effects of working without protection may not be felt instantly however prolong exposure causes irreversible damages to one’s health.

He urged the participants to pay heed to the health information they learnt today and change the way they work. He stated that being discipline in our work place is very difficult but is most rewarding in the long run if followed. Phom went on to state that steel fabrication provide us with much needed service however its impact on the health of the workers and the public has to be looked into and better policy needs to be framed for the benefit of the public as well as the welders in future. He further appreciated the programme organizers for such an event that impacts the target beneficiaries directly and educating them on the valuable information that benefits them.

Dr Khrielasanuo, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Dimapur also delivered a short speech and vote of thanks. The programme was attended by Medical Officers and staffs under District Hospital Dimapur and steel fabrication owners and welders under Dimapur district.