Assessment of Occupational Hazards and Health Status (Respiratory and Non-respiratory) Among Sawmillers in Akure Metropolis, Nigeria
| Author | Sunday Olakunle Olarewaju | en |
| Author | Adewale Allen Sokan-Adeaga | en |
| Author | Akinlolu Oluwafemi Fansanmi | en |
| Author | Olufunke Julianah Ogidan | en |
| Author | Micheal Ayodeji Sokan-Adeaga | en |
| Author | Joy Stephen Amusan | en |
| Orcid | Sunday Olakunle Olarewaju [0000-0002-8219-3410] | en |
| Orcid | Adewale Allen Sokan-Adeaga [0000-0002-0885-1526] | en |
| Orcid | Akinlolu Oluwafemi Fansanmi [0000-0002-8259-9322] | en |
| Orcid | Olufunke Julianah Ogidan [0000-0002-4944-9170] | en |
| Orcid | Micheal Ayodeji Sokan-Adeaga [0000-0001-8550-1960] | en |
| Orcid | Joy Stephen Amusan [0000-0002-3674-9174] | en |
| Issued Date | 2024-06-30 | en |
| Abstract | Background: Sawmilling exposed workers to diverse occupational mishaps and subsequent health complications. Investigating workplace risk and health status can help mitigate morbidness and death among this group. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the occupational hazards and health status of sawmill workers in Akure, Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted on 304 sawmill workers in Akure metropolis selected via multi-stage sampling methodology. Data were collected using a pre-tested, standardized questionnaire. In addition, the body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (mmHg), and respiratory function parameters (spirometry) were measured. Descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square) were used to evaluate and summarize the data, with a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: The respondents' average age was 42.0 ± 2.8 years. The common reported workplace hazards included noise 273 (89.8%), manual lifting of objects 221 (72.7%), heat 192 (63.2%), and wood dust 192 (63.2%), while common reported injuries were bruises 292 (96.1%), hearing impairment 281 (92.4%), electric shock 250 (82.2%), and fainting attack 232 (76.3%). The common prevalent ailments suffered by respondents in the last month were cough 158 (52.0%), phlegm production 149 (49.0%), chest pain 63 (20.7%), skin problems 100 (32.9%), and eyes irritation 111 (36.5%). The anthropometric measurement showed that most 272 (89.5%) sawmill workers are overweight and obese. Spirometry measurements revealed that one-third of the respondents had a forced expiratory ratio (FER) measurement below 70.00% and an abnormal respiratory rate. The bivariate analysis showed a significant correlation between the respondents' self-reported prior workplace injury, knowledge of workplace dangers, and sociodemographic characteristics (job category and educational level). Conclusions: The results showed that the respondents suffered from impaired respiratory function related to workplace hazard exposure and the non-usage of protective devices during operational activities. In addition, the majority are at risk of developing diverse cardiovascular and respiratory diseases due to workplace exposures. | en |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5812/jkums-144054 | en |
| Keyword | Occupational Hazards | en |
| Keyword | Sawmill Workers | en |
| Keyword | Respiratory Function Defects | en |
| Keyword | Health Problems | en |
| Keyword | Injuries | en |
| Keyword | Safety Practices | en |
| Keyword | Nigeria | en |
| Publisher | Brieflands | en |
| Title | Assessment of Occupational Hazards and Health Status (Respiratory and Non-respiratory) Among Sawmillers in Akure Metropolis, Nigeria | en |
| Type | Research Article | en |
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