Physical work conditions and perceived health problems among informal automobile artisans

BACKGROUND: Automobile car repair requires intensive activities. Several studies have described different work characteristics of automobile artisans’ work. However, the effects of physical work conditions (PWC) on worker health outcomes are largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore which of the PWC have high negative impact on worker’s health outcomes, and whether the same conditions affected both illnesses and injuries. METHODS: A cross-sectional design and a multistage method were used to randomly select 632 workers. A structured self-reported questionnaire was used to obtain information on dependent variables (illness/injuries) and independent variables (PWC). The results were analysed using the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis, while controlling for occupation. RESULTS: Workers who manually lifted heavy items or orally sucked petrol regularly reported illnesses and injuries. Long work experience and long working hours were significantly associated with illness, whereas prolonged standing was significantly related to injuries. Contrary to our initial expectation, workers who regularly worked at 2 m or higher above the ground level tended to report less illness and injury. CONCLUSIONS: PWCs were more significantly related to work-related illnesses than injuries. Therefore, interventional programs for automobile artisans should focus on the PWC that increase worker vulnerability to work-related illnesses.