Occupational Exposure and Physiological Risk Perception among Workers in the Textile Sector: A Cross-Sectional Study from Hyderabad, Pakistan

Abstract

The textile sector in Pakistan, particularly in Kotri, Sindh. One of the country’s key industrial hubs exposes spinning workers to multiple occupational hazards. Prolonged exposure to chemicals, noise, and dust may contribute to adverse physiological outcomes and reduced quality of life. Understanding workers’ perceptions of these hazards and their safety behaviors is crucial for improving workplace health and productivity. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sapphire Textile Mill in Kotri, Sindh, targeting spinning factory workers with at least one year of employment. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from Musa et al. (2012), covering 42 items related to occupational exposure, PPE usage, and health outcomes. A total of 450 workers participated (response rate: 100%). Descriptive statistics and Chi-square analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 26 to assess associations between occupational health and safety (OHS) training and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage. The majority of participants were male (≈75%), aged 26–45 (69.6%), and 40% reported smoking. While 84.5% had received OHS training in the past year, 19.3% reported not using PPE primarily due to discomfort, lack of knowledge, or doubts about efficacy. Among those exposed to chemical hazards (21.1%), 68.4% used chemical-resistant PPE; 8.4% reported skin-related symptoms in the past week. Excessive noise was reported by 75.5% of participants, with 12.7% experiencing hearing-related issues. Dust exposure was noted by 65.9%, with 11.5% reporting respiratory complaints and 17.5% eye irritation. OHS training was significantly associated with increased use of chemical-resistant gear, hearing protection, and respiratory masks (p < .05). Textile workers in Kotri face considerable occupational exposure risks, especially from chemicals, noise, and dust. Despite moderate symptom prevalence, suboptimal PPE usage mainly among untrained workers underscores the need for continuous education and stricter safety protocols. Enhancing OHS training programs, ensuring consistent PPE availability, and reinforcing safety protocols could improve health outcomes, increase awareness, and enhance productivity across Pakistan’s textile industry.