Effectiveness of Awareness Package on Occupational Health Hazards among Ragpickers of New Delhi, India

BACKGROUND: Ragpickers are informal workers who collect recyclable materials to earn a small wage on daily basis. They work in vulnerable conditions and awareness regarding occupational and environmental hazard is essential for them. OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness of awareness program on various occupational health hazards among the ragpickers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This interventional study was conducted from May through October 2016 among the ragpickers living near field practice area of Department of Community Medicine and those living in slum areas around HAHC Hospital, New Delhi, India. The awareness regarding occupational and environmental health hazards was assessed using a pretested and predesigned pro forma. Snowball sampling technique was used to select the ragpickers from the various areas. Health awareness and education package was designed for the ragpickers. The package was delivered by medical officers and health workers. A posttest assessment was done 2 weeks after the awareness activity. RESULT: Among 150 ragpickers, there was significant improvement in knowledge immediate post training on knowledge of occupational hazard and hygiene. CONCLUSION: Efforts should be put to develop training materials on occupation and environmental health and injury issue relating to waste management.