Jittirat Booranaprapruck. Industrial accidents in the context of labor process : a case study of food cannery factory in Bangkok vicinity . Master's Degree(Medical and Health Social Sciences). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2003.
Industrial accidents in the context of labor process : a case study of food cannery factory in Bangkok vicinity
Abstract:
This research was conducted in the period of January 2002 to December 2002
to study the relationship between accidents and the labor process in a food cannery
factory situated near Bangkok. The factory in the study employed 2,169 workers in a
labor intense division of labor system to produce canned food. I interviewed 20
randomly selected workers who had been injured on the job. I also looked at the
production records and labor information.
The results of the study show that, firstly, there was a significant discrepancy
between the records collected by the safety section (52 accidents were recorded) and
the first aid section (529 accidents were recorded). Secondly, the usage of imperfect
raw materials, the common usage of pointed or sharp tools or heavy equipment, the
speed of work at the assembly line conveyors, and working in an inappropriate
working environment or unsafe conditions contribute to the incidences of accidents.
Thirdly, management policies of the organization such as the distribution of work into
too many subdivisions, the hierarchical structure of management, the use of principles
to maximize profit creating an unsafe environment, the unjust treatment of workers by
management, the set-target production policies emphasizing the scope and quantity of
the workload have brought about the unsuitable characteristics of the labor processworking
in a hurried manner for excessive period of time with inadequate rest time
might be a significant factor in the occurrence of accidents. Fourthly, despite having
concern for the safety standards in compliance with the laws and regulations, safety
officers did not pay close and serious attention to their duties. This might increase the
possibility of accident occurrences as well.
In conclusion, I recommend that safety officers and nurses in the first-aid
section should cooperate together to record and share the essential information
regarding work-related accidents. Workers should play a greater role in the decision
making process as regards organization and the process of production. Furthermore
workers should have more input on safety control management, safety practice and
training, the accidents prevention program, and other relevant matters.