STUDY ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY PRACTICES AND HEALTH HAZARDS IN SELECTED INDUSTRIES IN ABIA STATE

Occupational health and safety hazards remain critical concerns in industrial environments, particularly in sectors with physically and chemically intensive operations. This comparative study assessed health risks, hazard exposures, and safety measures practiced among workers in two industrial settings: a vegetable oil processing company and Factory B all in Abia State, Nigeria. The research aimed to evaluate the prevalence of physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial hazards, examine the effectiveness of existing safety protocols, and explore the influence of organizational and individual factors on safety behavior. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to workers at the vegetable oil company and interviews with ten heads of units across five plants—Plastic, Carton, Lube,PVC,and Noodles—at Factorty B. descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results from both sites revealed considerable exposure to occupational hazards. At the vegetable oil company, 75% of workers reported noise-related hazards and 68.3% noted heavy lifting. Chemical exposure was high (89.7%), with nearly half experiencing splashes, while 42.5% identified biological risks, particularly from waste disposal. Similarly, at Factory B 88% of respondents acknowledged chemical hazards, and 60% noted psychological stressors. Psychosocial factors such as long working hours and limited safety training also emerged as key contributors to safety risks in both settings.Safety practices varied across sites. While 71.4% of vegetable oil workers used personal protective equipment (PPE), waste management and training were inadequate. At Factory B, 80% of plants had emergency plans, 90% had firefighting systems, and 60% had structured evacuation systems. Additionally, 60% observed organized safety services, and 64% confirmed the existence of safety committees. This study underscores the need for improved safety protocols, including regular training, enhanced emergency preparedness, medical surveillance, and comprehensive waste management. It recommends stronger regulatory enforcement and the integration of psychosocial and organizational considerations to ensure holistic occupational safety and health in industrial workplaces.