Assessment of Butchers' knowledge of occupational hazards and hygiene practices at slaughterhouses in Bauchi state

Slaughterhouses or abattoirs are critical to public health, as unhygienic practices can facilitate the spread of infectious diseases This study evaluates the awareness and knowledge of occupational hazard and hygiene practices among butchers in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional design, 420 respondents were selected from 96 slaughterhouses using a multi-stage sampling method. Data was collected through an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software. The study found that while most butchers recognized common hazards like knife injuries, blood spillage, slips and falls, they lacked awareness of risks associated with inhalation of disinfectants, zoonotic diseases, musculoskeletal issues from poor posture, and secondary infections. Additionally, butchers exhibited a fair understanding of necessary hygiene practices, such as workplace disinfection, regular handwashing, and routine inspections. Notably, 69.4% of respondents highlighted illness reporting as a key occupational safety practice, followed by the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at 46.9%. Despite, this, the study identified gaps in changing protective clothing post-slaughter and the need for more consistent inspections by relevant authorities. While there was no strong statistical association between educational level, safety (p = 0.053) and hygiene practices (p = 0.091), a significant correlation existed between level of education and awareness of occupational hazards (p = 0.034). the findings suggest that while butchers in Bauchi State possess a reasonable understanding of occupational hazards and maintain a good level of hygiene practices, there is room for improvement, particularly in areas requiring heightened awareness and regulatory compliance. The study underscores the importance of raising occupational hazard awareness and strict enforcement of hygiene and safety standards in slaughterhouses.