A Study on Work-Related Factors and Safety Concerns Among Indian Migrant Workers in Islamic Gulf Countries

Abstract

This current study aims to identify the work-related factors that impact both their work and health outcomes. The cross-sectional study conducted from June to October 2023 in Warangal, Telangana, focused on Indian male migrants, especially those working in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The survey included 350 male migrant workers aged 20 and above, excluding females due to industry-specific regulations. The carefully crafted questionnaire covered physical strain, workplace factors, and safety. Data analysis, conducted in MS Excel, employed statistical measures and tests such as the Chi-square test and Fischer's exact test. In this study, a survey encompassed 350 male migrant workers (204 from Saudi Arabia, 146 from the UAE). Notably, 36.37% were above 41 years old, 50.86% were married, and nearly half had a secondary education, with the UAE showing the highest percentage (69.86%). A significant majority had over 6 years of experience, and a predominant portion worked in construction (35.71%), industry (22.57%), and cleaning (14.29%). Physical strain elements were prevalent, with 63.43% experiencing prolonged sitting and 82.57% facing lengthy standing. Workplace factors included exposure to noise (85.72%), varying temperature conditions, and encounters with dust, smoke, and gas. Concerns were raised about safety at the workplace, with almost 28.57% lacking appropriate personal protective equipment, and 29.14% reporting a lack of emergency response planning. Despite these issues, 72% adhered to safe practices, while 38.86% reported insufficient training. The study underscores the multifaceted challenges faced by migrant workers, necessitating targeted interventions to enhance their working conditions and safety.