Published Paper Details:

The leather and footwear industry is a significant sector in many countries, providing employment opportunities and contributing to economic growth. In Tamil Nadu, major clusters are located in Ambur, Ranipet, Vellore, Vaniyambadi, Pernambut, Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Erode, and Dindigul. Workers in this industry face numerous occupational health and safety (OHS) risks, including hazardous chemical exposure, heavy machinery, and occupational injuries and illnesses. This study investigates OHS practices in the leather and footwear industry, focusing on hazard identification, challenges, safety protocol implementation, and recommendations for improvement. A comprehensive analysis reveals that workers are primarily exposed to chemical hazards (35%), machine guarding risks (25%), Musculoskeletal Risk (17%), biological hazards (23%), psychosocial hazards (13%), and other hazards (20%). Promoting a good workplace with skilled, safe, and healthy workers is crucial. This study aims to highlight the importance of OHS, understand the challenges and opportunities, and propose recommendations for creating a healthier, safer, and more productive work environment.