Abstract
This study examined the influence of sawmill wastes on health among the sawmill workers and inhabitants of the environment in Ondo State Nigeria. A total of 240 respondents consisting of 110 sawmill workers and 130 inhabitants of residential areas around sawmills were drawn using accidental sampling technique. A validated self-structured questionnaire with reliability coefficient of 0.85 was used for the study. The data collected were analyzed using simple percentages and inferential statistics of t-test analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the respondents did not have knowledge and experience about the importance of health education, the safety gadgets, protective devices and environmental health aids equipment were not adequate, there was a significant difference in the awareness of wastes generated in the sawmills between the sawmill workers and the inhabitant of the residential areas, a significant difference in the awareness of diseases contracted in sawmills that can affect health, and a significant difference in the excessive exposure to loud noise. It is therefore recommended that wastes should not be burnt. Sawmills operators should be provided with protective shield and gloves, and be monitored to wear them regularly. First aid box and toilets should be provided. DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2015.v5n2p299
Highlights
Sawmill can be said to be one of major industries in Nigeria because it is located in every nooks and corners in southwestern states of Nigeria in which Ondo State is one
Determine awareness of wastes generated and diseases contracted in sawmills that can affect health, and the excessive exposure to loud noise from equipment and facilities between the sawmill workers and the inhabitant of the residential areas
(2) There is no significant difference in the awareness of diseases contracted in sawmills that can affect health by sawmill workers and the inhabitant of the residential areas
Summary
Sawmill can be said to be one of major industries in Nigeria because it is located in every nooks and corners in southwestern states of Nigeria in which Ondo State is one. Sawmill is a factory where wood is cut into planks or boards in various sizes and shapes through the process of sawing by machine (Microsoft Encarta Dictionary 2009, Omobude-Idiado, Irimonre, & Ohi-Asikhia 2013). Sawmill generates various wastes such as; saw dusts, wood off cuts, wood backs, plain shavings and wood rejects (Dosunmu and Ajayi, 2002, Akinbode and Olujimi 2014). One of the most environmental problems facing the industry, in this jet age is the improper disposal of waste generated often in the sawmill industries (Akinbode & Olujimi 2014). Saw millers use several crude ways to dispose the generated wastes within the vicinity of sawmills and plank markets (Lasode, Balogun &Aremu 2009). Physical condition in the workplace such as prolonged loud and vibration are caused by tools and machinery (Odukogbe, 1995)
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