Effect of training on knowledge, attitude and practice of safety measures among battery chargers in Ilorin metropolis

Abstract

Objective: Good knowledge of safety measures against hazards of lead-acid battery work is important in the control of the work-related health problems. The study assessed the effects of training on knowledge, attitude and practice of safety measures among battery chargers in Ilorin, Nigeria. Methods: The study was a quasi-experimental (non-randomized) study with pretest and post-test design. A total of 107 battery chargers were recruited each for intervention and control group. The study group was offered training on occupational safety measures while the control group did not have training at this stage. Post intervention data was collected 12 weeks after the pre-intervention. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 214 registered battery chargers working in Ilorin in to the study. Data obtained through interviewer-administered questionnaires were analysed using SPSS version 16 software. Results: Less than one-fifth (15.9%) of the study group had good knowledge of hazards relating to battery which increased significantly to more than three-quarters (76.2%) post-intervention. The majority (85.0%) of the study group and (86.0%) of the control group had positive attitude towards safety measures pre-intervention. There was no significant improvement in attitude post intervention. The safety practice of less than one-tenth (6.5%) of the study group was rated good pre-intervention which increased significantly to almost one-fifth (17.8%) post-intervention. There was no significant improvement in the Kwowledge, attidude or practice of safety measures among the control group post intervention. Conclusion: Association of the battery chargers should organize in conjunction with the health institutions training of their members on hazards prevention and safety practices.

Prevalence of Injuries Among Waste Pickers. A Case Study in Nigeria

“…Chimere et al (2017) found a similar result across Ibadan, Lagos, and also Aba (however, on e-waste informal workers). Chukwunonye et al (2009) revealed that the waste pickers in Nigeria are not aware of the dangers of their occupation and are concerned only with the economic benefits of the occupation; Uthman et al (2017) confirmed a similar finding in Illorin. The consequence of such negative beliefs makes it difficult for waste pickers to comply with health and safety rules.…”

“…It is of great concern to know that very little research has been conducted in the northern part of Nigeria in regard to waste picking, despite the presence of prejudice socio-economic and cultural conditions in the region which lead to the growth of the informal sector (Adama, 2014). The few available research were, however, focused primarily on the socio-economic wellbeing of waste pickers, e.g., Nzeadibe (2019), Lambu (2016); Adama (2014) and Nzeadibe et al ( & 2013, and the risk-awareness of waste scavengers, e.g., Uthman et al (2017). Eventhough, Ohajinwa et al, 2018 studied prevalence and injury patterns among electronic waste workers in Nigeria, this study has concentrated, largely, on waste pickers.…”

The Socio-Economic and Environmental Benefits of Waste Scavenging in Maiduguri, Borno State

“…Despite the contributions of this informal sector, research on waste management in the study area has not focused on their activities and its impact on the environment. It is also important to note that least investigation has been conducted in the Northern part of Nigeria in regard to waste scavenging, the few available research were, however, focused primarily on the socio-economic wellbeing (Nzeadibe, 2009;Lambu, 2016;Adama 2014;Dankani, 2010), and the occupational health of waste scavengers, (Uthman, et al, 2017;Ohajinwa, et al, 2018;Yusuf, et al, 2021;Ali and Yusuf, 2021;Nuhu et al, 2022). However, much is not reported on the factors influencing the income of scavengers and the environmental benefits of waste scavenging.…”