Death at work in Kashmir: lived experiences of surviving families thereof

ABSTRACT

In the present study, the authors aimed to investigate the experiences of families bereaved by the death of their loved ones at workplaces in Kashmir. 17 families were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected by using an unstructured interview guide. Thematic analysis of the data revealed that the families had to face severe social, mental, physical, and financial problems, including difficulties in claiming and receiving compensation, immediate and long-term financial difficulties due to the death of the breadwinner, mental and physical health problems, unmet support needs, family disruption, and social, educational and behavioural impact on children. Recommendations for policy development and interventions are suggested to prevent workplace accidents and fatalities at workplaces, reduce the disturbance and sufferings experienced by surviving families and alleviate the multi-dimensional consequences.

KEYWORDS:

• Qualitative approach
• sudden death
• surviving families
• traumatic experience
• workplace death

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mohmad Saleem Jahangir

Mohmad Saleem Jahangir is senior assistant professor of Sociology at University of Kashmir. Interested in the field of globalization and Marxism, he has a book to his credit besides many research papers published in reputed journals. Moreover being Macie Curie fellow for the year 2014 at University of Macerata in Italy, he has also been to University of Szezecin, Poland in 2015 under 7 Framework Programme, Marie Curie Actions, People, International Research Staff Exchange Scheme.

Muzamil Wali

Muzamil Wali has done PhD from the Department of Sociology, University of Kashmir. Under the supervision of Dr. Mohmad Saleem Jahangir, he has worked on the topic, “Problems of Industrial Workers and Class Consciousness: A Study of Selected Industries of Kashmir.” Besides having presented a number of papers in national and international conferences, he has published many research papers as well.

Wasia Hamid

Wasia Hamid is perusing PhD from the Department of Sociology, University of Kashmir under the supervision of Dr. Mohmad Saleem Jahangir. She is working on the topic entitled, “Death and Bereavement among Muslims of Srinagar city: A Sociological Inquiry.” Her work has appeared in many reputed journals like Death Studies, OMEGA-Journal of Death and Dying, Health Promotion International, Health, Risk & Society, Journal of Gender Studies, Race & Class, and a few more.