Workplace hazard exposure and practice of safety measures by workers in selected factories in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Workplace safety measures are intended to reduce injuries, accidents and hazards to employees. This study was to determine the workplace hazard exposure, practice of safety measures and use of private protective equipment by workers in selected factories in Nnewi, Anambra State Nigeria.
Methods: Using a cross-sectional descriptive design, a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist were data collection tools. Using a stratified sampling and proportionate random sampling techniques 816 staff from three strata participated in the study.
Results: Out of the 634 completely filled questionnaires, 97.5% respondents were males and 65.8% were aged 26-40years. Majority (78.6%) had four or less years of experience and 23.5% earned between N21,000-N30,000 monthly. Most (96.8%) were trained to use protective equipment and 93.7% believed that their current job was hazardous. Out of the 182 respondents with high level of workplace hazard exposure, 64.3% were aged 26-30 years. Most respondents (92.6%) reported having at least one job-related injury within the past year while 49.7% felt that they may lose their job due to work-related injury. There was a statistically significant relationship between workplace hazard exposure and level of practice of safety measure (p< 0.005) and level of personal protective equipment use (p< 0.001).
Conclusion: Age and length of service at the factory had significant influence on the level of hazard exposure, level of safety practice and level of personal protective equipment use. In-service trainings and incentives for consistent practice of safety measures and PPE use could lead to lower accidents.