Awareness of Occupational Hazards and Safety and Health Practices Among Wood Artisans in Imo State

Wood occupation is a gainful job, and has contributed immensely to socioeconomic development of many developed and developing countries of the world, including Nigeria. However, activities involved in wood processing often expose artisans to various occupational hazards. This study is aimed at assessing awareness of occupational hazards, safety and health practices among wood artisans in Imo State, Nigeria. The study lasted for a period of six months (October 2022 to April 2023). Data obtained was analyzed with SPPS version 23 and presented in tables using descriptive statistics for preliminary analysis while Chi square test, t - test and logistic regression were other analytical methods utilized. The result obtained showed that wood occupation is male dominated (92.6%), with majority being married (72.2%), aged between 30-39 years (29.6% + 29.2%), and have secondary education (56.9%). Greater proportion of them have worked for 8years and above (35.6%), with work schedule of 8 - 10 hours daily (89.8%) and income of above #4,000 daily (36.6%). Occupational hazards detected included physical - (wood particles (96.3%), noise (71.8%), heat (61.1%), vibration (43.5%), fire (40.7%) and electric fault (34.3%); chemical - (wood dust (91.7%), organic fumes (63.9%), smoke (24.1%); biological - (insect bite (58.5%); ergonomic - (manual lifting of heavy objects (60.2%), awkward posture (63.3%), repetitive work (54.2%), fixed posture (53.7%) and psycho-social - (stress (60.2%) & fatigue (58.8%).