Prevalence Of Occupational Hazards Among Petrol Pump Attendants In Chennai : A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Petrol pump attendants form an essential component of the transport and service sectors, yet their occupational health risks remain poorly studied and inadequately addressed. Routine exposure to volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, together with prolonged standing, long shifts, and limited protective measures, predisposes them to respiratory illness, hematological abnormalities, musculoskeletal strain, dermatological conditions, and psychosocial stress. Global evidence shows consistently high prevalence of fatigue, stress, and chronic morbidity among fuel station workers. In India, however, systematic research is limited, despite the presence of over 80,000 petrol pumps nationwide and more than 6,800 outlets in Tamil Nadu alone. Although safety regulations under the Petroleum Act and Petroleum Rules mandate protective measures, enforcement at the ground level is weak, leaving attendants vulnerable. Importantly, no prior epidemiological study has been reported from Tamil Nadu to document the health hazards in this workforce.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of occupational health hazards and assess safety practices among petrol pump attendants in Chennai city, Tamil Nadu.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 300 attendants aged ≥18 years working in 38 randomly selected petrol bunks across Chennai. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, occupational exposures, health complaints, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Clinical parameters including blood pressure, body mass index, and skin examination were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests; odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results: Respiratory problems were reported by 45.3%, musculoskeletal complaints by 51.3%, dermatological disorders by 25.3%, and eye irritation by 31.3%. Attendants with ≥5 years of service showed higher morbidity, particularly respiratory (57.8% vs. 38.2%, OR 1.8, p=0.01) and musculoskeletal complaints (64.2% vs. 44.0%, OR 2.1, p<0.001). PPE compliance was poor overall—mask use 35.7%, gloves 24.7%, goggles 12.3%—but significantly higher among trained workers (mask 61.8% vs. 28.0%, gloves 56.2% vs. 18.0%; p<0.001).

Conclusions: This first study from Tamil Nadu highlights a substantial burden of occupational morbidity among petrol pump attendants, aggravated by poor PPE compliance and weak enforcement of safety norms. Regular training, health surveillance, and strict implementation of occupational safety regulations are urgently required to protect this neglected workforce.