SP-07 Epidemiology as a tool for occupational health risk reduction at workplace – a case study and learning

Epidemiological methods can be used to identify and measure the extent of health-related states or events, and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to prevent or control them. The same approach can be used at the industry to identify workplace health risks, evaluate them and take steps to reduce the same with an ultimate objective of protecting and promoting occupational health at the workplace. Project CASH (Change Agents for Safety and Health) is an initiative with an overall objective to identify and reduce the workplace health risks. It was introduced and implemented at a large refinery and petrochemical industry on a pilot basis in 2003. The project also had specific objectives to reduce identified hazards. Exposure to high noise, dust and heat were identified as major issues for action. The outcome of the actions was evaluated at the close of one year of the project. The project met with resounding success. Specific objectives to reduce exposure to noise, dust, and heat, were achieved. The major success of the project was on the human resources front. Project CASH resulted in a ”cultural change” which ensured employee and management involvement on an unprecedented scale resulting in change in attitude towards occupational safety & health across levels. While the objectives of the project were restricted to reducing health risks to employees, many actions resulted in financial savings and increase in profitability. Factors which contributed to the success of the project were identified as commitment of the top management, empowerment of line managers, recognition of CASH agents, involvement of all levels of workforce ensuring participatory approach and change through people-oriented projects. CASH continues as an ongoing program at all manufacturing sites and has resulted in more than 2000 projects focusing on work environment improvement, health risk reduction and healthy behaviour among employees.