ปัญหาสังคมและสาธารณสุขของคนงานก่อสร้างในเขตเทศบาลแหลมฉบัง จังหวัดชลบุรี

Abstract

Social and Health Problems of Construction Workers in the Area of Laem Chabang Municipality, Chonburi ProvinceThe study "Social and Health Problems of Construction Workers in the Area of Laem Chabang Municipality, Chonburi Province : A Qualitative Approach" has two objectives: To utilize qualitative-research methods in data collection and interpretation; and to describe, as well as analyze the social context, culture, working conditions and health problems of construction workers. The data-collection methods used are observation, in-depth interviews and focus-group discussions. There are six construction sites visited: 21 workers are interviewed; and four focus-group discussions are held. The main findings can be summarized as follows: Failure in agricultural work pushes people from rural areas, especially from the northeastern and lower-northern regions, to work in the construction industry. Although it is hard and restrictive work, they admit that they can earn income to pay their daily expenses and their debts, and in some cases, can even save money. It is also found that most of the construction workers live with their sponses; in the case of children, small children stay with parents, and older children stay with ralatives back home. This pattern is prevalent because older children must enroll in school, while small children need closer attention from their mothers. With respect to their occupational background, a majority of construction workers do not have a knowledge of and experience in construction; they start working as unskilled laborers consequently. As they reveal, they learned how to work by observing, and being taught by, their coworkers, as well as by their supervisors. Their lack of knowledge and skills limits their bargaining power for higher wages and limits their career opportunities. Additionally, they are not properly protected by a system of welfare, and they have no knowledge of their rights. Social problems which they are facing include: Chronic poverty, family separation, lack of childcare in the workplace, unsafe housing (especially in regard to children), improper social adjustment, and deviant behaviors. In terms of health problems, results show that they are related to social problems. Due to their low educational level and bargaining power, their ability to take care of their health are minimized. Construction workers health problems problems partly are also effects of many factors: Unsanitary living places and a high risk of accidents while working. It is clear that most of them do not receive adequate safety equipment from their employers and they do not have sufficient knowledge concerning work-safety measures. The employers are not concerned with providing such measures.