Work-Related Injuries and Associated Risk Factors among Workers in Selected Metal Engineering Companies in Gaborone District, Botswana

Worldwide, work-related accidents and illnesses contribute to significant deaths attributed to exposures at work. The broad objective of the study was to assess work-related injuries and associated risk factors among workers in metal engineering companies in Gaborone District, Botswana. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional study design where data were collected from all workers selected from thirteen metal engineering companies in the city. A sample size of 258 employees was selected systematically. Data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and binary logistic regression. The study found there was a 23.6% prevalence of occupation-related injuries among workers in selected metal engineering companies in the Gaborone District. Lack of awareness has the probability to cause work-related injuries (Exp(B) = 0.175, p =0.000). The probability of negative perceptions leading to work-related injuries (Exp(B) = 42.651, p =0.000) was significantly higher compared to positive perceptions. The probability of not having supportive supervision leading to work-related injuries (Exp(B) = 2.66, p =0.02) was significantly higher compared to having supportive supervision. The probability of not having trained first aiders leading to work-related injuries (Exp(B) = 0.247, p =0.000) was significantly higher compared to having trained first aiders. Metal engineering companies should innovate injury mitigation measures for their workers. Management together with policy makers of the engineering industry in Botswana should foster attitude change towards work safety through holding regular safety talks and seminars to educate workers on the importance of adherence to work safety as a way of reducing engineering industry work-related injuries. The engineering industry, in collaboration with the Botswana government, should enforce adherence to safety policies such as the use of PPEs and the circulation of constant reminders to reduce the prevalence of work-related injuries.