Work related Injuries and Musculoskeletal Disorders among Child Workers in the Brick Kilns of Khejuri of Purba Mediipur in West Bengal

Brick industry in India is the second largest brick producer in the world after China. The industry is one of the largest employment generating industries employing millions of people. Brick kiln workers always remain under heavy work pressure to work more efficiently for higher production during seasons with fewer resources and management skills. This stressful situation becomes worse by physical discomforts in the workplace. Brick manufacturing is a labor intensive informal industry using child workers as the major work force in India. Workers are required to use physical strength, carry heavy loads and remain in a squatted posture for longer periods doing repetitive tasks posing threats to musculoskeletal system. This study involved cross sectional study of children aged 17 years and below. The study respondent included 301 cases in Khejuri blocks under Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal. Lack of adequate physical infrastructures, poor working conditions with nonexistent safety procedures have posed risk to physical, mental and overall well being of children. The study identifies work related physical ailments and discomforts dominate brick industries of Khejuri. The musculoskeletal disorder related pain and discomfort was experienced by 73 per cent of working children in this region. This study finds that presence of poorer physical environment, working conditions and practices has contributed to musculoskeletal injuries and problems exposing working children to risks and hazards.