Women Salt-Pan Workers in Selected Districts of Tamil Nadu: Occupational Risks, Economic Vulnerability and Livelihood Security

Abstract

Salt-pan work provides an important source of employment and household income for women in coastal
districts of Tamil Nadu. However, the work involves occupational exposure, seasonal employment and
economic insecurity, which may affect workers' health, income and livelihood security. This study
examines the occupational risks, economic vulnerability and livelihood security of women salt-pan
workers in selected districts of Tamil Nadu. The study is based on primary data collected from 150 women
salt-pan workers, with 50 respondents each from Thoothukudi, Nagapattinam and Ramanathapuram
districts. The study examines occupational exposure, health-related work consequences, income
conditions, medical expenditure, savings, indebtedness, financial stress, social protection and alternative
livelihood opportunities. The analysis considers occupational risks and economic vulnerability as
interconnected factors influencing household livelihood security. The study highlights that the economic
benefits of salt-pan employment cannot be assessed only through wages, as health-related costs, loss of
working days, unstable income and limited livelihood alternatives may affect the effective economic return
from employment. The study suggests the importance of strengthening occupational safety, social
protection, financial inclusion and livelihood diversification for improving the economic security of
women salt-pan workers. The findings provide an economic perspective for developing policies that
support safer and more sustainable employment in the salt sector.