Commemorating the 24th “World Sight Day”, Dimapur District National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCB&VI) conducted an awareness programme, under the theme, “Love your eyes at work”, at Chapel Hall, District Hospital Dimapur, focusing on steel fabrication and welding workers.
Addressing the gathering as the special guest, administrator DMC, W Manpai Phom said while most workers in these trades were aware of safety measures, he lamenting that they often do not use protective gears and tend to prioritize convenience over safety.
He highlighted the example of DMC sanitation workers who, despite being provided with proper gear, were sometimes reluctant to wear it during their tasks. Phom emphasized that the detrimental effects of working without protection might not be immediately evident, however, added that prolonged exposure could lead to irreversible health damage and urged participants to take heed of the health information provided by medical experts during the awareness programme.
Phom also expressed gratitude to the organizers, expressing hope that the programme would prove beneficial to all attendees. Meanwhile, senior specialist and nodal officer (NPCB&VI), Dr. Asonla Aying, stressed on the critical importance of eyesight, adding that the awareness programme has been organized especially focusing on those whose eye sights were most vulnerable at workplace.
Dr. Aying cautioned that welders, particularly those working on wet surfaces or wearing damp clothing, were susceptible to electric shock or electrocution. She added that arc welding produces radiation, affecting both workers and passersby up to 50 feet away, pointing that without protective gear, workers get exposed to this radiation.
Additionally, she informed that the heat generated during welding exceeds that of the sun, making protective measures essential for eye and skin safety. Dr. Aying underscored the vulnerability of workers such as blacksmiths, farmers, and welders to eye injuries due to foreign particles and called on employers to equip their workers with basic protective gear and educate them on safety protocols.
She also encouraged participants to consider organ donation, highlighting its life-saving potential.
Later, Medical Superintendent, DHD, Dr. Khrielasanuo, delivered a brief speech and expressed gratitude.
The awareness propgramme was attended by welders and fabrication workers from across Dimapur.