• Umme Habiba Bodrun Naher
• Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir
• Most. Laboni Begum
• Md. Rayhan Sarker
• Sirajum Munira

Leather industries in Bangladesh are considered as one of the most potential sectors in terms of foreign currency but at the same time it causes detrimental effects on the workers’ health and the surrounding environment as well. This study employs both quantitative and qualitative (based on FGD, face to face interviews, key informant interviews and personal observation) method. This study investigates the prevalence and patterns of health problems of tannery workers at Savar, Dhaka. It reveals that male workers are more susceptible to health problem than female (p value 0.004). It also exhibits that 89.5% workers are suffering from skin problem and 89.5% from asthma. Other most common health problems of tannery workers are jaundice (71.8%), nail rotten problem (75.6%), chronic headache (66.5%), gastrointestinal problem (65.4%), ophthalmological diseases (62.8%), trauma (62%), cardiovascular disease (56%), hearing problem (55.6%), pain in joints (49.6%) and frequent fever (42.9%). Only 26.7% tannery workers who use PPE are less affected by health problems than the workers who do not use PPE (p value 0.002) in the workplace. There is a highly significant association between job duration and health problems of tannery workers (p value 0.002). Also there is an association between residence and health problems of tannery workers (p value 0.028). The workers stay in polluted environment in the tannery and live in unhygienic dwelling outside the industry and both create health problems to them. Due to direct exposure of toxic chemicals, dust, gas produced due to using of different chemicals, lack of safety measures, lack of solid and effluent management and unhealthy workplace condition (insufficient light, high level of noise etc.) are the driving factors behind health hazards to them. This study infers the health status and safety practices of workers at tanneries in Bangladesh. Healthy tannery environment, training and better health care facilities to the workers can ensure better health status to them.

Tannery, Asthma, Ophthalmological Disease, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Trauma.

"Health Issues of Tannery Workers at Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.7, Issue 12, page no.860-878, December-2020, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2012114.pdf

"Health Issues of Tannery Workers at Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.7, Issue 12, page no. pp860-878, December-2020, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2012114.pdf