Background Pulmonary rehabilitation is a effective management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) improving exercise performance, respiratory symptoms and quality of life. Several studies report that 10–15% of the total burden of COPD is associated with workplace dust exposures.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to develop a method for a workplace and home based pulmonary rehabilitation program, and evaluate the program efficacy in COPD workers exposed to occupational dust.

Methods Twenty eight workers with chronic obstructive ventilation disorder were randomly divided into two groups: 14 male workers to a rehabilitation group and another 14 male workers as a control group. We developed programs of home based exercise training, breathing training, smoking cessation, education of nutrition, workplace dust assessment and pitting test of personal respiratory protective device. The pulmonary rehabilitation program consisted of a 7 week period in rehabilitation group, there visited centre every 2 weeks for evaluation and resetting degree of exercise strength

Results Twenty five workers completed their programs. Following the home and workplace pulmonary rehabilitation program, mid-thigh circumference and nutrition score were increased in the intervention group in comparison to the controls. And also improved maximum muscular strength, shuttle working test, but it was not significant compared to the controls. The St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and pulmonary function test were not significant improvement.

Conclusion The workplace and home based pulmonary rehabilitation program was effective and applicable to COPD workers exposed to occupational dust in this study.