Ocular Health Hazards in Pakistan’s Mining and Oil Exploration Industries

Introduction

Occupational hazards within Pakistan’s extractive industries—notably coal mining and oil and gas operations—represent a critical concern for worker safety and health. Although respiratory and dermatological ailments among laborers have been extensively documented, eye-related health challenges, despite their high prevalence, remain largely overlooked in academic and public health discussions. This study investigates the frequency, underlying factors, and distinct forms of ocular disorders afflicting workers in these high-risk environments, drawing on empirical data and case studies from fieldwork to illuminate this neglected aspect of occupational health.

Prevalence and Risk Factors
Coal mining ranks among Pakistan’s most perilous professions, with systematically documented ocular health impacts:

• A 2020 analysis of industrial-scale mines in Chakwal and Mianwali districts identified symptomatic visual impairmentin 1% of workers, underscoring the sector’s unaddressed health burdens.
• Field investigations in Balochistan’s coal zones highlight endemic rates of chronic irritation, excessive tearing, conjunctival redness, and progressive vision decline. These conditions disproportionately affect miners laboring in confined, poorly ventilated underground shafts, where prolonged exposure to coal dust, particulate matter, and inadequate protective measures exacerbate risks.

Occupational Ocular Risks in Pakistan’s Oil & Gas Exploration Sector Emerging Patterns and Interventions

While occupational eye injuries and diseases in Pakistan’s oil and gas exploration sector remain underreported, emerging evidence points to systemic risks tied to prolonged exposure to hydrocarbon fumes, intense flaring emissions, abrasive particulate matter, and inadequate safety protocols.

Notably, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), responding to these risks, organized free vision camps in Kambar-Shahdadkot and Sanghar districts, revealing unmet needs:

• 3,800+field workers and residents underwent screenings,
• 2,700+ corrective eyewear unitswere distributed, and
• 300+ cataract surgerieswere conducted in temporary surgical facilities.

These interventions highlight the sector’s hidden burden of preventable blindness, exacerbated by limited healthcare access in isolated operational zones and inconsistent compliance with ocular safety standards.

Common Ocular Conditions

Research and field reports identify several key eye conditions prevalent among mining and oil industry workers:

1. Refractive Errors
   • The leading cause of visual impairment among workers.
   • Often uncorrected due to the absence of regular eye screening programs and affordability of prescription eyewear.
2. Pterygium and Pingueculae
   • Caused by chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and dust.
   • Particularly common among surface workers who operate without protective eyewear in open-pit environments.
3. Conjunctivitis
   • Inflammation of the conjunctiva, frequently caused by dust, pollutants, and poor sanitation in mining camps.
   • Often misdiagnosed or untreated, leading to complications.
4. Cataracts
   • Common among aging workers, particularly in oil and gas fields where sunlight and high temperatures exacerbate lens degeneration.
   • Cataracts were the primary condition addressed in PPL’s surgical outreach camps.

Contributing Factors

Several environmental and occupational factors contribute to the high incidence of eye conditions in these sectors:

• Dust and Airborne Particulates:
  Inhalable particles not only affect the respiratory tract but also cause eye irritation, redness, and allergic conjunctivitis.
• Chemical Exposure:
  Workers in oil fields face chemical splash hazards and vapors that can cause acute and long-term damage to the eyes.
• Lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  In many coal mines and oil installations, the use of safety goggles or face shields is minimal or completely absent, especially among contractual workers.
• Inadequate Lighting:
  Poor visibility in underground mines contributes to visual strain and night vision adaptation disorders.
• Limited Access to Eye Care Services:
  Most mining and exploration sites are located in remote areas with no immediate access to optometric or ophthalmological care. Workers typically rely on general practitioners, who may lack the expertise or equipment to diagnose eye diseases.

Case Examples

Case 1: Punjab Coalfields

• In a sample of 250 miners in Chakwal and Mianwali, 53 reported persistent eye burning, and 70 had never received an eye examination.
• Refractive errors were diagnosed in over 30% of the tested individuals, with most never having worn corrective lenses.

Case 2: PPL Eye Health Program

• PPL’s CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) division organized annual eye health camps where:
  • Over 3,800 rural residents (many being employees or families of oil workers) were screened.
  • An alarming number of patients were found to have advanced cataracts or uncorrected visual errors.

Recommendations

To mitigate these eye-related occupational health risks, the following steps are recommended:

1. Mandatory Annual Eye Screening:
   Regular visual health checks should be institutionalized across all extractive sectors.
2. Provision and Enforcement of PPE Usage:
   Companies must supply and ensure the usage of protective eyewear, especially in high-risk areas.
3. Training and Awareness Programs:
   Workers should be educated about eye hygiene, the risks of chemical exposure, and the importance of early diagnosis.
4. Improved Ventilation and Dust Control:
   Installation of dust suppression systems and improved air circulation can drastically reduce eye and respiratory problems.
5. Mobile Eye Clinics:
   Government and private organizations should collaborate to offer periodic mobile ophthalmology units for remote mining communities.
6. Integration into National Occupational Health Policy:
   Ocular health must be addressed in national mining and labor safety regulations, with oversight from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources.

Conclusion

Eye-related health conditions are a significant yet neglected issue in Pakistan’s mining and oil exploration industries. With nearly a third of workers affected by visual impairment and poor access to eye care services, immediate intervention is warranted. Success stories like PPL’s eye care camps highlight the role corporate entities can play, but systemic change will require coordinated efforts between government agencies, health departments, and industry stakeholders.

References

• Iqbal, S. et al. (2020). Visual Impairment in Industrial Mine Workers of Punjab, Pakistan. Journal of Occupational Health.
• Pakistan Petroleum Limited (2020). CSR Activities: Eye Surgical Camps Report. com
• Punjab Mines Department FAQs. punjab.gov.pk