Knowledge of Workplace Hazards, Safety Practices and Prevalence of Workplace-related Health Problems among Sawmill Workers in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction:Working in sawmills has been identified as one of the most dangerous occupations even in countries with high levels of compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of workplace hazards; safety practices and prevalence of workplace-related health problems among sawmill workers in Sokoto, Nigeria. Material and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 215 sawmill workers selected by multistage sampling technique. A set of pretested, intervieweradministered, structured questionnaire was used as data collection instrument. Results:The mean age of the respondents was 29.3 ± 8.4 years, and they were predominantly males (99.5%). Whereas, less than two-thirds, 120 (55.8%) of the 215 respondents had good knowledge of sawmill workers' workplace hazards, most of them (80.9%) had good knowledge of prevention of exposure to the hazards. Conclusion:The poor knowledge of workplace hazards, suboptimal safety practices and high prevalence of workplacerelated health problems despite good knowledge of prevention of exposure to the hazards among sawmill workers in Sokoto, Nigeria, underscore the need for government to closely monitor the sawmill operators' practices and ensure full compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.

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“…Only 5 % of woodworkers had occupational safety and health (OSH) training in this study. Lack of training on OSH has been reported in previous studies [ 37 – 39 ]. This finding was also comparable with a study conducted in Ethiopia among particle board workers that identified only 10% of workers attended safety and health training [ 40 ].…”

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“…Majority of respondents were married and had primary education. [ 10 ] According to Onowhakpor AO et al . the mean age of respondents was 34.6 years and 98.3% were males.…”

“…[ 13 ] Majority of the respondents had experienced workplace related accidents/injuries and other medical conditions. [ 10 ] Injuries from falling of object from height, missile objects, cut injuries, crush injuries and electric shock were reported in study by Ali A et al . [ 5 ] Musculoskeletal injuries were the most common and the upper extremity was the most frequently injured.…”

“…mentioned that the various preventive measures were known to the respondents which included switching off the electric supply and use of PPE amongst various others. [ 10 ] Agu AP et al . found that majority were aware of PPE.…”

“…mentioned that less than half of the workers had attended any official training in occupational safety. [ 10 ] Onowhakpor AO et al . found that in spite of a fair knowledge of occupational hazards and positive attitudes towards occupational hazards, safety practices were poor.…”