Factors associated with the level of Knowledge and self-reported Practice toward safety precautions among Factory Workers in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: According to the International Labor Organization, occupational accidents and diseases kill millions of workers every year. Objective: To assess factors associated with the level of knowledge and self-reported practice toward safety precautions among factory workers in the East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 randomly selected factory workers. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires and an observation checklist. The data were analyzed using the descriptive statistical method and using bivariate binary and multivariable logistic regression models. Variables with a p-value <0.05 with a 95% confidence interval were considered to have statistical significance. Results: The study had a response rate of 99.0%, with a total of 416 respondents. 53.4% of respondents were aware of safety precautions, and 56.0% of them rated the use of personal protective equipment as an indicator of the practice of safety precautions. Factory workers’ educational status (adjusted odds ratio: 4.3, 95% confidence interval: 2.4, 7.8), job satisfaction (adjusted odds ratio: 4.7, 95% confidence interval: 2.1, 10.4), and having training on safety issues (adjusted odds ratio: 12.8, 95% confidence interval: 6.3, 26.1) were determinant factors of knowledge regarding safety precautions, while the type of factory (adjusted odds ratio: 16.0, 95% confidence interval: 5.8, 44.1), the presence of regular supervision (adjusted odds ratio: 3.8, 95% confidence interval: 2.1, 6.8), and overall knowledge about safety precautions (adjusted odds ratio: 7.2, 95% confidence interval: 3.9, 13.2) were the independent determinants of the practice of safety precautions. Conclusions: Workers’ knowledge and practice regarding safety precautions were low as compared to studies in developing countries. Interventions targeted at the provision of training, promotion, and enforcement of issues regarding safety precautions should be in place. Employers, the government, and employees should work together to address these workplace safety issues.

Compliance with Standard Occupational Health and Safety Measures and Associated Factors Among Small-Scale Metal Industry Workers in Central Ethiopia

“…19 A possible explanation might be that experienced workers are more knowledgeable about safety measures in the workplace, and having good knowledge is associated with high compliance with safety precautions. 25,26 The current findings revealed that safety compliance was related to working hours, with those who worked at night having good practices regarding workplace health and safety requirements. According to one study, night shift workers may be more cautious and comply with safety, since working at night can be more physically and psychologically demanding, and workers may be more aware of the significance of safety to avoid accidents or injuries connected with working outside of normal business hours.…”

“… 19 A possible explanation might be that experienced workers are more knowledgeable about safety measures in the workplace, and having good knowledge is associated with high compliance with safety precautions. 25 , 26 …”