TITLE:
Occupational Hazards, Safety and Hygienic Practices among Timber Workers in a South Eastern State, Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Kevin C. Diwe, Chukwuma B. Duru, Anthony C. Iwu, Irene A. Merenu, Kenechi A. Uwakwe, Uche R. Oluoha, Tope B. Ogunniyan, Ugochukwu C. Madubueze, Ikechi Ohale
KEYWORDS:
Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Occupational Hazard, Timber Worker, Imo, Nigeria
JOURNAL NAME:
Occupational Diseases and Environmental Medicine,
Vol.4 No.3,
August
22,
2016
ABSTRACT: Background: Timber workers, especially in developing countries, are faced with challenges of
prevention and control of work place hazards and illnesses. Objective: To determine the awareness
of occupational hazards, effects, safety and hygienic practices among timber workers in a
South Eastern State in Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive design that used the total
population of timber workers involved in the processing and marketing of wood in three major
timber markets in a South Eastern State in Nigeria. Data was collected using a pretested semistructured
questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were done with frequencies and summary statistics.
Results: The majority of the respondents were aware of the hazardous nature of wood dust
(96%) and their main source of awareness was from personal experiences (55%). In spite of the
fact that the predominant hazard effects in the majority were nose, throat irritation and cough
(33%), the majority were of the opinion that the respirator was not important. Only 13% of the
respondents that use personal protective equipment (PPE) always use them and the main reason
for not using PPE is forgetfulness (38%). Proper hygiene and sanitation was poorly practiced, as
all respondents indiscriminately disposed of waste wood (100%) and about one third (33%) did
not have a bath after work each day. Conclusion: Timber workers in our environment are faced
with increased risks of diseases, accidents and challenges of protection and safety. As a consequence,
there is a need for proper education and enforcement of consistent use of the different
protective devices.