Associated factors of electrical injuries and knowledge on their prevention and first aid management among Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) field level technical workers in Colombo municipal area

Abstract

Background Electrical injuries carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Electrical workers are at a constant risk of such injuries. Accurate knowledge on prevention and first aid and putting it into practice is important for preventing and reducing these injuries. Objectives This study aimed to assess the associated factors of incidence of workplace electrical injuries and knowledge on prevention and first aid management among Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) field level technical workers of the Colombo Municipal area. Methods This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 120 field level technical workers selected through two-stage cluster sampling. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was employed to gather information. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Results The sample consisted of only males, with a mean age of 37.19 years (SD=11.08). Self-reported injury incidence among the workers was 6% per year and no significant association was seen between injury incidence and any of the socio-demographic or work-related characteristics. Majority had a good knowledge on prevention (75.8%) and first aid management (81.7%). Having a total number of 1 to 3 training sessions on prevention during the time of occupation showed a significant association with knowledge on prevention (p=0.006) and occupational grade showed a significant association with knowledge on first aid management (p=0.013). Conclusions The knowledge on prevention and first aid for electrical burn injuries was satisfactory. Occupational grade and the number of training programmes attended influenced their level of knowledge.