Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception of Potential Occupational Hazards by Automobile Workers in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Olaiya Paul Abiodun

doi:10.11648/j.ajhr.20180602.11

Abstract

The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and perception of Automobile workers on the occupational hazards in their workplaces and to identify their attitudes and safety practices towards protecting themselves from these hazards. A descriptive cross- sectional design and stratified sampling technique were utilized to identify the automobile workers/respondents. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection and it covered areas like social demographics, knowledge and perception of potential hazards, attitude and safety practices employed by both Automobile Mechanics (AMs) and Automobile Spray Painters (ASPs) to avoid hazards. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Findings showed that there was statistically significant association between level of knowledge, attitude, perception of spray painters and mechanics based on their level of education. Also there was statistically significant association between level of knowledge, attitude, perception of spray painters and mechanics based on their work experience in relation to safety measures (p<0.05). However, there was no statistical significant difference in the knowledge of spray painters and mechanics about PPE as it can be generally rated poor (<50%), P>0.05). The p value for each of the tested parameter (>0.05) also shows clearly that there was no significant difference in the knowledge of both the Automobile spray printer and the Mechanics. There is need for regular training on safety guidelines and enforcement of standard/universal safety practices by automobile workers so as to reduce potential occupational hazards.

Highlights

The cost of labor is very cheap and this is due level of poverty is high in developing countries such as Nigeria
The garage operators known as Automobile Mechanics (AMs) and Automobile Spray Painters (ASPs) are low-income earners with little or no basic education and limited knowledge of modern technology to operate effectively [2]
The results from this study showed that knowledge of potential occupational hazards among automobile workers was generally low

Summary

Introduction

The cost of labor is very cheap and this is due level of poverty is high in developing countries such as Nigeria. The garage operators known as Automobile Mechanics (AMs) and Automobile Spray Painters (ASPs) are low-income earners with little or no basic education and limited knowledge of modern technology to operate effectively [2]. Olaiya Paul Abiodun et al.: Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception of Potential Occupational Hazards by Automobile Workers in North Bank, Makurdi Local Government, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria workshop workers are a class of labor considered to be prone to long-term lead toxicity due to their routine works such as motor vehicle assembly, spray painting, burning of petrol, welding, brazing and repairing of radiators [3]. Personal protective equipment are usually considered a luxury and rarely provided and it is worse among the small factory workers [1]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion