About 200,000 workers across the country are suffering with chronic ailments as a result of their jobs, a recent survey revealed.

In addition, 741 workers have died and 3,259 have been disabled by accidents.

The Public Health Ministry survey also shows that employees' eyes are the body part most affected by work. Metal plants are the most dangerous for injuries while machine controllers and setters have the most risky jobs.

Nakhon Pathom province has the highest rate of injuries among workers, followed by Samut Prakan, Rayong, Samut Sakhon and Chachoengsao respectively.

Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab says he has assigned provincial health offices to conduct a massive campaign aimed at raising awareness among workers about reducing injuries in the workplace.

Risks

However, not only workers in the formal sector are at risk of injuries, says Dr Kamchad Ramkul, head of the Bureau of Occupational and Environ-mental Diseases.

He says about 27 million people work in the informal labour sector.

Most are farmers at risk from pesticide, which can cause cancer and other chronic symptoms.

About 3,000 patients a year are admitted to hospital after inhaling too much pesticide for a long time.

Kamchad warned of the dangers stone cutters face when they do not use masks to keep out dust.

They risk suffering silicosis, a lung disease that caused the death of one worker in Nakhon Ratchasima.

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Work safely

>> Wear a mask while working in factories to prevent tiny particles

getting inside the body and causing chronic illnesses such as pneumonia.

>> Wear earplugs to prevent ear damage from noise.

>> Wear gloves and boots to avoid contact with dangerous

chemicals.