scholarly journals Knowledge, Perception and Practice of Safety Measures Related to Workplace Hazards among Manual Stone Crushing Workers in Sokoto, Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-18
Author(s):  
Aminu U. Kaoje ◽  
Ladan Haliru ◽  
Mansur O. Raji ◽  
Umar M. Ango ◽  
Jessica T. Ango
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Workplace Hazards

Background: Although manual stone crushing activities provide income to families, the working conditions are often unhealthy and dangerous and employees are ignorantly exposed to different hazardous materials particularly dust particles. Objectives: To assess Knowledge, perception, and Practice of occupational safety measures related to workplace hazards among manual stone crushing workers. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 156 informal small-scale quarries for construction materials workers in Sokoto metropolis. The respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique and data collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Descriptive, bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23 and results presented in tables. Results: Respondents median age was 23 years, interquartile range: 18.3 – 28.0. Adolescents and young adults accounted for 54.4% of the workforce. All the respondents were males and 69.9% had no formal education. Only 25% had good knowledge of workplace hazard and as high as 63% have a low-risk perception of the hazards. Very few (7.7%) reported the use of personal protective equipment. Only awareness of disease risk (aOR =5.25, P <0.001) was the predictor of respondents’ knowledge of workplace hazards. Predictors for risk perception level of workplace hazards were respondents’ knowledge (aOR = 0.33, p˂0.01); Aware of risk of disease (aOR =2.92, P <0.01); and employment status (aOR = 0.31, p˂0.03). Conclusions: Poor knowledge and low-risk perception of workplace hazards are very prevalent among workers and very few reported use of personal protective equipment. Training and awareness creation on workplace hazards are highly recommended.

scholarly journals Awareness and utilization of personal protective equipment among small-scale welders in Cross River State, Nigeria: a descriptive cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Ekpereonne Esu ◽  
Utibeabasi Ekanem
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Cross River ◽  
Cross River State ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Objective: Rapid urbanization and industrialization in the many low- and middle-income countries means that there is a growing demand for the welding industry. Previous studies in Nigeria, and other low- and middle-income countries have reported a significant discrepancy between awareness and consistent and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This study assessed the awareness and utilization of PPE among small-scale welders in Calabar South, Cross River State, Nigeria. Methods: This study was conducted in Calabar South Local Government Area using a descriptive cross-sectional design. Data collection was with an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire, and an observation checklist was used to monitor the use of PPE among small-scale welders. Results:  One hundred and sixteen small-scale welders were surveyed with a mean age of 34.9 ±9.1 years. Almost 90% of respondents had completed at least primary education. Eighty-one respondents (69.8%) were aware of PPE. Three-quarters of respondents (61/81) knew PPE protected the user from injury. The most frequently identified type of welding PPE among the respondents aware of PPE, were safety goggles (38.3%), hand gloves (25.9%), safety boots (19.8%), and coveralls (9.9%). 83.6% had access to PPE at work. However, only 14.4% reported using PPE consistently. Observation revealed that the PPE most frequently used, sunglasses, were not the recommended welding goggles. Conclusion:  The low utilization of PPE calls for stricter enforcement of occupational health and safety regulations among welders in the informal sector, including implementing PPE awareness programs.

scholarly journals Occupational Risk Perception and the Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): A Study Among Informal Automobile Artisans in Osun State, Nigeria

SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 215824402199458
Author(s):  
Funmilayo Juliana Afolabi ◽  
Paul de Beer ◽  
Joke A. Haafkens
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Risk Tolerance ◽  
Occupational Risk ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Informal Workers

Informal workers in developing countries are exposed to various occupational hazards that may cause accidents, injuries, or diseases. Personal protective equipment (PPE) can be an essential tool for preventing workers from exposure to these hazards. Despite the widely acknowledged benefits of PPE usage, many informal automobile artisans in Nigeria do not use PPE. This study examines factors that predict PPE usage among these artisans, particularly their occupational risk perception. This cross-sectional study adopted a multistage method to select 632 automobile artisans (mechanics, panel beaters, painters, and vulcanizers) in Osun State, Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on the dependent variable (the use of PPE) and the independent variables (occupational risk perception and risk tolerance). STATA 14 was used for the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Workers who perceive themselves at high risk of occupational health problems are more likely to use PPE (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1, p = .03), as are those who are very worried about getting accidents/illnesses (OR = 2.6, p = .03) or believe that these health problems are preventable (OR = 2.3, p = .01). Contrary to expectation, workers who experienced accidents/illnesses in the past are less likely to use PPE (OR = 0.3, p = .00) than those who did not. The established positive relationship between occupational risk perception and PPEs’ usage provides information to various stakeholders for designing safety programs that can reduce exposure to the occupational risks for informal automobile artisans in Nigeria.

scholarly journals Workplace hazard exposure and practice of safety measures by workers in selected factories in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 21-28
Author(s):  
JE Okeke ◽  
NC Osuchukwu ◽  
AO Ndep ◽  
BN Ekpenyong ◽  
KI Abam
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Workplace Safety ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
Hazard Exposure ◽  
Work Related ◽  
High Level

Background: Workplace safety measures are intended to reduce injuries, accidents and hazards to employees. This study was to determine the workplace hazard exposure, practice of safety measures and use of private protective equipment by workers in selected factories in Nnewi, Anambra State Nigeria. Methods: Using a cross-sectional descriptive design, a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist were data collection tools. Using a stratified sampling and proportionate random sampling techniques 816 staff from three strata participated in the study.Results: Out of the 634 completely filled questionnaires, 97.5% respondents were males and 65.8% were aged 26-40years. Majority (78.6%) had four or less years of experience and 23.5% earned between N21,000-N30,000 monthly. Most (96.8%) were trained to use protective equipment and 93.7% believed that their current job was hazardous. Out of the 182 respondents with high level of workplace hazard exposure, 64.3% were aged 26-30 years. Most respondents (92.6%) reported having at least one job-related injury within the past year while 49.7% felt that they may lose their job due to work-related injury. There was a statistically significant relationship between workplace hazard exposure and level of practice of safety measure (p< 0.005) and level of personal protective equipment use (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Age and length of service at the factory had significant influence on the level of hazard exposure, level of safety practice and level of personal protective equipment use. In-service trainings and incentives for consistent practice of safety measures and PPE use could lead to lower accidents.

scholarly journals Infection control practices and challenges in Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multicentre cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. 175717742110127
Author(s):  
Salma Abbas ◽  
Faisal Sultan
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
And Control

Background: Patient and staff safety at healthcare facilities during outbreaks hinges on a prompt infection prevention and control response. Physicians leading these programmes have encountered numerous obstacles during the pandemic. Aim/objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate infection prevention and control practices and explore the challenges in Pakistan during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and administered a survey to physicians leading infection prevention and control programmes at 18 hospitals in Pakistan. Results: All participants implemented universal masking, limited the intake of patients and designated separate triage areas, wards and intensive care units for coronavirus disease 2019 patients at their hospitals. Eleven (61%) physicians reported personal protective equipment shortages. Staff at three (17%) hospitals worked without the appropriate personal protective equipment due to limited supplies. All participants felt overworked and 17 (94%) reported stress. Physicians identified the lack of negative pressure rooms, fear and anxiety among hospital staff, rapidly evolving guidelines, personal protective equipment shortages and opposition from hospital staff regarding the choice of recommended personal protective equipment as major challenges during the pandemic. Discussion: The results of this study highlight the challenges faced by physicians leading infection prevention and control programmes in Pakistan. It is essential to support infection prevention and control personnel and bridge the identified gaps to ensure patient and staff safety at healthcare facilities.

scholarly journals Optimized and Non-Optimized Personal Protective Equipment Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand: A National Cross-Sectional Survey in a Resource-Limited Setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 117863022110135
Author(s):  
Visal Moolasart ◽  
Weerawat Manosuthi ◽  
Varaporn Thienthong ◽  
Uajai Jaemsak ◽  
Winnada Kongdejsakda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Negative Pressure ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Infection Control Program

Introduction: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2). COVID-19 is highly contagious, potentially fatal, and a global public health concern. Combining optimized personal protective equipment (PPE) use and hand hygiene is the best strategy for preventing COVID-19 in health care workers (HCWs). Methods: We conducted a national cross-sectional web-based survey of HCWs in the infection control program (IPC) in Thailand between May 5, 2020 and May 15, 2020. The primary objective was the prevalence of optimized PPE use amongst HCWs. The secondary objective was identification of the independent predictors of optimized PPE use. Results: We received a response from 46% of HCWs (756/1650), and all those who responded were nurse or HCWs who were registered in the IPC network. Five HCWs were excluded because of missing data, and 751 were included in the final analysis. The prevalences of PPE use were 22% (168/751) for optimized PPE use, 78% (583/751) for non-optimized PPE use, 35% (263/751) for PPE overuse, and 43% (320/751) for PPE underused. In univariate analysis, optimized PPE use was significantly associated with age, education level, knowledge of appropriate negative pressure room selection, and knowledge of apparently milder symptom severity in children than adults. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of optimized PPE use were knowledge of appropriate negative pressure room selection (aOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.18-3.22), the difference in symptom severity between children and adults (aOR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.37-0.81), and education level (aOR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.04-2.27). Conclusion: The prevalence of optimized PPE use amongst HCWs was 22%. Independent predictors of optimized PPE use were COVID-19 knowledge-based factors and education level. Therefore, the continued education training program should be implemented to ensure maintenance of appropriate practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Work-related Injury among Welders Working in Metal Workshops of Dharan Municipality, Nepal

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-159
Author(s):  
Anup Ghimire ◽  
Shyam Sundar Budhathoki ◽  
Surya Raj Niraula ◽  
Abha Shrestha ◽  
Paras K Pokharel
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
The Past ◽  
Occupational Characteristics ◽  
Recorded Data ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Background: Injuries are a problem worldwide in all occupations. Welders are exposed to many hazards at work resulting in a variety of health problems including injuries at work. This study was conducted to find out the prevalence and factors associated with injuries among welders in Dharan city of eastern Nepal.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 86 welders in Dharan city. Occurrence of injury in past 2 weeks and past 12 months were recorded. Data regarding sociodemographic along with occupational characteristics was collected using semi structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 17.Results: All the welders in this study were male with almost half of the welders under the age of 25 years and about a fifth (21.1%) of the welders having received some form of welding training. In the past 12 months, 21.1% of the welders suffered from work related injuries. More than 95% welders used at least one personal protective equipment in this study. More injuries were seen among welders with age ≥35 years, working experience ≥ 5 years, not received training and not using of PPE at work. However, these factors were not found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: Work related injuries are high among welders of Dharan. Further research is required to explore the relationship between age, literacy, training and use of personal protective equipment with the occurrence of injuries among the welders.

scholarly journals COVID-19 infections among Healthcare Workers and Transmission within Households

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin L. Schwartz ◽  
Camille Achonu ◽  
Sarah A. Buchan ◽  
Kevin A. Brown ◽  
Brenda Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nosocomial Transmission ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Testing Bias

AbstractImportanceProtecting healthcare workers (HCWs) from COVID-19 is a priority to maintain a safe and functioning healthcare system. The risk of transmitting COVID-19 to family members is a source of stress for many.ObjectiveTo describe and compare HCW and non-HCW COVID-19 cases in Ontario, Canada, as well as the frequency of COVID-19 among HCWs’ household members.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsUsing reportable disease data at Public Health Ontario which captures all COVID-19 cases in Ontario, Canada, we conducted a population-based cross-sectional study comparing demographic, exposure, and clinical variables between HCWs and non-HCWs with COVID-19 as of 14 May 2020. We calculated rates of infections over time and determined the frequency of within household transmissions using natural language processing based on residential address.Exposures and OutcomesWe contrasted age, gender, comorbidities, clinical presentation (including asymptomatic and presymptomatic), exposure histories including nosocomial transmission, and clinical outcomes between HCWs and non-HCWs with confirmed COVID-19.ResultsThere were 4,230 (17.5%) HCW COVID-19 cases in Ontario, of whom 20.2% were nurses, 2.3% were physicians, and the remaining 77.4% other specialties. HCWs were more likely to be between 30-60 years of age and female. HCWs were more likely to present asymptomatically (8.1% versus 7.0%, p=0.010) or with atypical symptoms (17.8% versus 10.5%, p<0.001). The mortality among HCWs was 0.2% compared to 10.5% of non-HCWs. HCWs commonly had exposures to a confirmed case or outbreak (74.1%), however only 3.1% were confirmed to be nosocomial. The rate of new infections was 5.5 times higher in HCWs than non-HCWs, but mirrored the epidemic curve. We identified 391 (9.8%) probable secondary household transmissions and 143 (3.6%) acquisitions. Children < 19 years comprised 14.6% of secondary cases compared to only 4.2% of the primary cases.Conclusions and RelevanceHCWs represent a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases in Ontario but with low confirmed numbers of nosocomial transmission. The data support substantial testing bias and under-ascertainment of general population cases. Protecting HCWs through appropriate personal protective equipment and physical distancing from colleagues is paramount.Key PointsQuestionWhat are the differences between healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers with COVID-19?FindingsIn this population-based cross-sectional study there were 4,230 healthcare workers comprising 17.5% of COVID-19 cases. Healthcare workers were diagnosed with COVID-19 at a rate 5.5 times higher than the general population with 0.8% of all healthcare workers, compared to 0.1% of non-healthcare workers.MeaningHigh healthcare worker COVID-19 burden highlights the importance of physical distancing from colleagues, appropriate personal protective equipment, as well as likely substantial testing bias and under-ascertainment of COVID-19 in the general population.

scholarly journals Mask and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Associated Headache: A Cross-Sectional Study among the COVID-Time Physicians in Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 12-22
Author(s):  
K M Nazmul Islam Joy ◽  
Reaz Mahmud ◽  
Md Golam Rabbani ◽  
Md Khairul Islam ◽  
Rajesh Saha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Personal Safety Measures Adopted by Medical Practioners during the Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 883-887
Author(s):  
Hemapriya L ◽  
Maureen Prativa Tigga ◽  
Anil Kumar M.R ◽  
Prathap T ◽  
Neha Wali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Personal Safety ◽  
Safety Measures

BACKGROUND A novel coronavirus (now termed as SARS-CoV-2) was detected as the causative agent of severe pneumonia in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. Declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global pandemic in March 2020, it has created profound changes in global economy and healthcare systems. This study evaluates the knowledge and practice with regard to various personal safety measures used by the healthcare professionals. METHODS We conducted a questionnaire study after obtaining approval, from the Institutional ethical committee. An online survey was conducted using a preformatted questionnaire consisting of multiple-choice questions which assessed the knowledge and practices adopted by various healthcare professionals. The survey was done between 1st and 30th of June 2020 and a total of 536 responses was analysed. RESULTS 58.4 % of the participants were females, 66 % of the healthcare workers worked at a private hospital / private medical college with 82.1 % being located in urban areas. Of the 536 respondents, 90.1 % practiced bathing immediately after returning home and 86.8 % sanitized their accessories. 86.9 % of the professionals used frequent sanitization with use of mask and gloves whereas only 12.3 % used full personal protective equipment. 58 % of females had used hydroxychloroquine as prophylaxis whereas only 41 % of males used it (statistically significant, P = 0.005). Healthcare workers in younger age group (23 - 40 years) were more likely to maintain distance with family members, and government doctors were significantly more likely to do so (P < 0.001) as compared to private practitioners. CONCLUSIONS With the medical professionals being at high risk for contracting the infection, the need to provide the healthcare professionals with adequate personal protective equipment is of utmost importance. There is also a need to maintain the well-being of the healthcare professionals as they are the weakest link in the chain. KEY WORDS Medical Practitioners, Personal Protective Equipment, Safety Measures

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