Occupational Safety Knowledge and Personal Protective Equipment Practices among Retail Butchers in the Cauvery Delta Region of Tamil Nadu, India
M. Anna Anandh *
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Department of Livestock Products Technology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu – 614 625, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India.
D. Viveka
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Department of Livestock Products Technology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu – 614 625, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India.
R. Muthusamy
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Department of Livestock Products Technology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu – 614 625, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India.
R. Karthick
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Department of Livestock Products Technology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu – 614 625, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India.
M. Prema
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Department of Livestock Products Technology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu – 614 625, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Retail butchers encounter occupational hazards associated with sharp instruments and meat handling. This cross-sectional survey assessed occupational health and safety knowledge, personal protective equipment (PPE) knowledge and reported use, and injury-prevention awareness among 200 retail butchers in the Cauvery Delta region of Tamil Nadu, India, during May–June 2026. The study covered Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai districts and used a structured questionnaire containing 29 occupational health and safety items. Knowledge scores were classified as poor (0–14), moderate (15–21) or good (22–29). Of the respondents, 72 (36.0%) reported previous formal occupational-safety training and 128 (64.0%) reported none. Knowledge of the protective roles of aprons and gloves was reported by 75.0% and 73.0%, respectively, whereas reported use was 61.0% and 42.0%, respectively. These figures derive from separate knowledge and use items and do not establish individual-level compliance. Safe knife handling, immediate first aid and prompt injury reporting were recognised by 79.0%, 77.0% and 64.0% of respondents, respectively. Overall, 32.0% had good knowledge, 41.0% moderate knowledge and 27.0% poor knowledge. Good knowledge was recorded for 43.1% of trained respondents and 25.8% of untrained respondents. Knowledge category was associated with previous training (Pearson’s χ²(2, N = 200) = 8.76, p = 0.013). The findings identify differences between aggregate knowledge and self-reported use measures and an association between previous training and knowledge, without demonstrating causality.
Keywords: Personal protective equipment, occupational injuries, injury prevention, first aid, safety training, retail butchers, Tamil Nadu