Occupational Hazards and Health Problems Reported by Workers in a Sawmill in Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Sawmill workers in Nigeria are exposed to many workplace hazards and avoidable health problems. This study was carried out to determine the perceived hazards and health problems among workers in a sawmill in Uyo, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional descriptive study carried out in February 2018 among workers in a sawmill in Uyo. Information obtained using an interviewer administered questionnaire included work history, occupational hazards, health problems and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among the wood workers. Data was analysed with IBM SPSS Statistic 20. Inferences were made using the chi square test. Level of significance was set at 0.05. Result: A total of 127 respondents participated in the study. The mean age of respondents was 35.14±11.38 years. Majority, 124 (97.6%) were males and 76 (59.8%) had completed secondary level of education. Majority, 92 (72.4%) worked for 8-10 hours daily and 54 (42.5%) had worked for > 10 years. Occupational hazards reported were dust, 94 (74.0%), noise 93 (73.2%), vibration 62(48.8%) and heat 60 (47.2%). Health problems included injuries 54 (42.5%), low back pain 52 (40.9%), cough 45 (35.4%) and eye irritations 34 (26.8%). Cough was significantly associated with number of work years (p