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. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. Two hundred and sixteen (216) wood artisans (saw millers, wood carvers and carpenters), who consented and met inclusion criteria participated in the study. Their selection was via multi-stage random sampling technique comprising 30% of wood artisans from selected local government areas and communities in the three senatorial zones of Imo State. A semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire and workplace environment air quality tools were employed to collect data from respondents aged 20 years and above, who have lived for not less than two years in Imo State, and had been actively involved in artisanal activities, with all ethical requirements obtained. 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% ). Other hazard included environment air pollution which was found to be far above the permissible limits - (Pm2.5 (35.5 mg/m3), Pm1.0 (78.33 mg/m3), PM10 (75.00 mg/m3), NO (6.533 ppm), CO (21.0 mg/m3), CO2 (66.17 mg/m3), and SO (15.50 mg/m3). Awareness towards hazards was quite high (93.8% ), but safety and health practices were quite poor. Only few respondents attended medical checks (35; 16.2% ), had safety training (56; 25.9% ) and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (54: 25.0% ). Their personal hygiene and sanitation practices were also found to be poor (89: 41.2% ). Wood artisans constitute substantial proportion of labour force in Imo State, Nigeria, but they are particularly vulnerable to hazard exposures due to their non-compliance to safety and health practices/habits. Increased sensitization, safety training and education towards occupational hazards and their protection as well as provision of functional occupational safety and health services are therefore recommended for these economically viable group of workers in Imo State.