Awareness of Electricity Workers Regarding Occupational Health Hazards: Preventive Study

Abstract

Electricity workers are facing significant electrical hazards, preventive actions are important to decrease these hazards. This study Aimed to evaluate the effect of preventive program on electricity workers' awareness regarding occupational health hazards. Design: A quasi experimental design was used. Setting: This study was carried out at two districts of Qalubiya electricity sector. Sample: All electricity workers from the above mentioned settings were included. There were 78workers. Tools: I- structured interviewing questionnaire to determine electricity workers' socio-demographic characteristics, exposure to electricity hazards, knowledge regarding electricity hazards and its prevention and practices of workers regarding precaution to avoid electricity hazards. Results: The current study results revealed that, 35.9% of participants aged from 30 to 39 years old, 57.7% of them were experienced from 1 to 10 years, 43.6% of workers were exposed to injury during their current work, none of workers had good total knowledge scores regarding electricity hazards, and only 2.6% of workers had high satisfactory total practices score preprogram. While, after the program implementation, 89.7% of them had good total knowledge score, and high satisfactory total practices score increased to 88.5%. Conclusion: This study concluded that there were a significant improvement in electricity workers' knowledge and practices regarding prevention of electricity health hazards. Recommendation: ongoing periodic health education programs carried out by the occupational health nurse to raise the awareness of electricity workers about electrical health hazards and periodic training on hazards prevention and electrical safety as well as first aids should be sustained for electricity workers.