Profiling occupational exposure and associated health risks among employees across the petroleum supply chain in Chennai: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: The petrochemical industry poses a significant health risks to its employees due to constant exposure to toxic chemicals generated throughout its complex production processes. This study aimed to identify the presence of occupational health hazards and precautionary measures in petrochemical industry in Chennai.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 employees from petrochemical industries in Chennai recruited using stratified random sampling techniques. The study was conducted for the period of 18 months from June 2023 to November 2024. The Occupational Health Hazards Standard Assessment tool was used to identify the physical, chemical mechanical, biological, psychosocial health hazards as well as precautionary measures taken across all the sites. A multivariate logistic regression was used to explore impact of occupational health hazards on health using SPSS Software version 27.0.

Results: The study identified chemical health hazards such as solvent, mist, fumes, and gas substances, OR = 3.14, 95% CI [1.92, 5.14] (p < 0.001). The poor illumination was identified as a potential physical health hazard in an oil refinery ([OR] = 2.74, 95% CI [1.72-4.35]). The evaluation of precautionary measures, including pre-employment health examinations, a Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) policy, and an active occupational health and safety system, was significantly implemented (p < 0.05) in the oil refinery.

Conclusion: Despite the high level of health risk inherent to the petrochemical industry, this study found a limited presence of health hazards, suggesting that current safety precautions remain effective. However, it is advised to continuously monitor the precautionary measures and safety health systems in the petroleum industries.