Use Of Personal Protective Devices Research Articles

Stone mining work and dust pollution in Birbhum district, West Bengal, India.

Dust pollution is common in Indian roads and several industrial settings (including mines) that affects human health. Identification and characterization of the dust particles in the mining area is essential for knowing the properties of the dust that effectively causes ailments to humans, particularly among workers those who are working in unorganized industrial settings. The present study aimed to determine the level of dust pollution and to know the size and characterize the dust particles in the Pachami-Hatgacha stone mine areas of Birbhum district, West Bengal, India. Dust samples were collected and analysed for Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) to determine the size and shape of the particles, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) to determine the free silica content, and X-ray Florence (XRF) analysis for quantitative estimation of components in the sample. All the analyses were done following standard instrumentation and techniques. The size of the dust particles was much less (ranges 101-298nm) than the size of respirable particles (2500nm). Those were mostly generated as well as precipitated during peak working hours of the day. Presence of considerable amounts of silica was confirmed by the FT-IR (strong and broad band at 1000cm-1) and XRF analysis (76.85% SiO2). Exposure to these dust particles may cause severe health impairments. Therefore, interventions like wet drilling and blasting, sprinkling of water during peak working hours, and awareness of use of personal protective devices among workers are required to reduce the risk and hazards associated with dust pollution to the health of miners and inhabitants around the mines.

AIUM Official Statement: Guidelines for Cleaning and Preparing External- and Internal-Use Ultrasound Transducers and Equipment Between Patients as Well as Safe Handling and Use of Ultrasound Coupling Gel.

AIUM Official Statement: Guidelines for Cleaning and Preparing External- and Internal-Use Ultrasound Transducers and Equipment Between Patients as Well as Safe Handling and Use of Ultrasound Coupling Gel.

Response of a Radiology Department to the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: The Experience of the Hospital “Policlinico Tor Vergata” in Rome

The dissemination of severe acute respiratory syndrome linked to the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, prompted all health services to provide adequate measures to limit new cases that could affect healthcare professionals. Due to the large number of suspected patients subjected to CT scans and the proximity of radiologists to the patient during exams, radiologists as well as the entire staff of the radiology department are particularly exposed to SARS-CoV-2. This article includes the emergency management procedures, the use of personal protective devices, and the rearrangement of exam rooms and of human resources in the department of radiology at “Policlinico Tor Vergata” in Rome performed during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We introduce the management measures that our department has taken to cope with the influx of patients while still ensuring the proper management of other emergencies and time-sensitive exams.

A prospective study on the pattern of traumatic ocular injuries in Central Karnatakaand their forensic aspects

Total or partial blindness is a serious public health issue that affects a person's quality of life. Ocular trauma is one such leading cause of blindness, especially monocular blindness. Ocular injuries hold forensic importance when there is a significant loss in visual acuity as a result of an unnatural cause and expert opinion is needed to establish causation between the nature and extent of permanent impairment and injury. The prospective study conducted at a teaching hospital from January 2019 to December 2019, involving 48 cases, aims to analyse the pattern of traumatic ocular injuries and emphasize on the forensic issues involved. There was a preponderance of male patients (64.5%) over the female patients. 75% of cases were from the rural population and the common age group affected was 21–30 years among both sexes. Maximum injuries were inflicted at home (47.91%). Road traffic accidents (29.16%) were the most common mode of accidental injury. Closed globe injuries were seen in 22 cases (45.83%) and open globe injuries in 8 cases (16.66%). Permanent and partial loss of vision was seen in 22 cases of ocular trauma. Permanent and complete loss of vision was seen in one case. Ocular traumas are preventable through public awareness programmes and strict legislation for the use of personal protective devices that can help reduce the occurrence of such injuries. The study indicates that there is an urgent need to step up safety precautions to prevent disabling eye injuries and enlightens health care workers on the medico legal issues involved.

Head and neck radiotherapy amid the COVID-19 pandemic: practice recommendations of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO).

Management of patients with head and neck cancers (HNCs) is challenging for the Radiation Oncologist, especially in the COVID-19 era. The Italian Society of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) identified the need of practice recommendations on logistic issues, treatment delivery and healthcare personnel’s protection in a time of limited resources. A panel of 15 national experts on HNCs completed a modified Delphi process. A five-point Likert scale was used; the chosen cut-offs for strong agreement and agreement were 75% and 66%, respectively. Items were organized into two sections: (1) general recommendations (10 items) and (2) special recommendations (45 items), detailing a set of procedures to be applied to all specific phases of the Radiation Oncology workflow. The distribution of facilities across the country was as follows: 47% Northern, 33% Central and 20% Southern regions. There was agreement or strong agreement across the majority (93%) of proposed items including treatment strategies, use of personal protection devices, set-up modifications and follow-up re-scheduling. Guaranteeing treatment delivery for HNC patients is well-recognized in Radiation Oncology. Our recommendations provide a flexible tool for management both in the pandemic and post-pandemic phase of the COVID-19 outbreak.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s12032-020-01409-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Noise Induced Hearing Loss in Glass Factory Workers in Delta State Nigeria: An 8 year follow up.

Background: Noise induced hearing loss is a well known recognized hazard in factory workers. This is due to the fact that the level of noise in most factories exceed the WHO acceptable limits. This was an 8 year follow up study on glass factory workers to determine the effect of noise on their hearing status over that period.Materials and Methods: Audiometry was carried out on the factory workers using a diagnostic audiometer. This was repeated after 8 years. All the workers had their ears examined prior to Audiometry which was done in a quiet area in the factory clinic. Thereafter data was collected and analysed.Results: The subsequent screening showed that all the workers had increased threshold of hearing and the Prevalence rate of hearing impairment had increased from 9.1% to 40.8%. All workers admitted to intermittent use of personal protective devices (ear muffs/ear plugs) despite being counselled on their use 8 years earlier.Conclusion: Hearing Conservation measures should be instituted in factories. Pre-employment screening should be mandatory as well as annual audiological screening and the labour laws should be strengthened to ensure adequate compliance by industries.

Minimal or No Touch Electrocardiography Recording and Remote Heart Rhythm Monitoring during COVID-19 Pandemic Era

At the end of year 2019, the world faced an outbreak of a highly virulent novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which changed the way physicians, including cardiologists, do their routine clinical practice. As distance limitation and efficient use of personal protective devices must be employed to prevent the pandemic spreading, even simple electrocardiogram (ECG) taking that involves directly placing electrode leads on a patient’s body may become riskier. This review will discuss the possibility of minimal or no touch EKG using the latest wireless technologies, beneficial in monitoring COVID-19 patients for cardiovascular problems or patients who seek cardiac care, but with posing risk of concomitant COVID-19.

Management of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, in the radiology department

ObjectivesFrom December 2019, a novel coronavirus disease named COVID-19 was reported in China. Within 3 months, the World Health Organization defined COVID-19 as a pandemic, with more than 370,000 cases and 16,000 deaths worldwide. In consideration of the crucial role of diagnostic testing during COVID-19, the aim of this technical note was to provide a complete synthesis of approaches implemented for the management of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. Key findingsThe planning of a robust plan to prevent the transmission of the virus to patients and department staff members should be fundamental in each radiology service. Moreover, the speed of spread and the incidence of the pandemic make it necessary to optimize the use of personal protective devices and dedicated COVID-19 equipment, given the limited availability of supplies. ConclusionIn the management of radiographic and CT imaging, staff should take special precautions to limit contamination between patients and other patients or professionals. Implications for practiceAn isolated imaging room should be dedicated to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, including radiography and CT scanners. This paper will provide guidance concerning disposable protective gear to be utilized, as well as on the cleaning and sanitation of radiology room and equipment.

Determinants of pesticide exposure among workers in floriculture industry in rural Maharashtra

Background: Pesticides are extensively used in floriculture where workers are mostly unskilled and may not have appropriate knowledge about safety. Acute accidents during spraying are reported, chronic exposure goes unnoticed. There are not many Indian studies regarding health risks and safety practices among floriculture workers in India. Hence this study to assess pesticide exposure, to find their determinants and suggest appropriate preventive measures.Methods: Study was cross sectional in Floriculture Park, Talegaon (D), Pune, Maharashtra, India using cluster sampling from February 2018 to July 2019. Prevalence of morbidities being 63% sample size was calculated as 111 (allowable error 15%). Socio-demographic, work and health related variables were recorded using a pretested structured questionnaire. Clinical examination and laboratory investigations were done by medical experts.Results: A total of 118 workers participated. Only half (51.2%) were using personal protective devices. None were following reentry guidelines. 13.3% males and 4.1% females had low serum cholinesterase level which is a biomarker of pesticide exposure. Sprayers had significantly high risk of low serum cholinesterase levels (OR=3.31) as compared to others. With exposed subjects which included both sprayers as well as polyhouse workers the association increased with OR=4.27. However association was not significant when working in polyhouse alone was considered as a risk factor (OR=1.256).Conclusions: Presence of exposure was the only factor that had a statistically significant association with low Serum Cholinesterase levels. Safe occupational practices like use of personal protective devices, rotation of exposed workers, monitoring of serum cholinesterase levels and health education of workers should be undertaken.

Assessment of the Exposure of Turkey Farmers to Antimicrobial Resistance Associated with Working Practices.

The objective of the present study was the identification of farming practices in the production of turkeys for human consumption, and their ranking in terms of the occupational probability of exposure to antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria, for farm workers. We gathered evidence and data from scientific literature, on risk factors for AMR in farmers, and on the prevalence of those hazards across farming phases. We administered semi-structured interviews to public and private veterinarians in Northern Italy, to obtain detailed information on turkey farming phases, and on working practices. Data were then integrated into a semi-quantitative Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA). Those working practices, which are characterized by direct contact with numerous animals, and which are carried out frequently, with rare use of personal protection devices resulted as associated with the greatest probability of exposure to AMR. For methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), these included vaccination and administration of any individual therapy, and removal and milling of litter, given the exposure of farmers to high dust level. Indeed, levels of occupational exposure to MRSA are enhanced by its transmission routes, which include direct contact with animal, as well as airborne transmission. Level of exposure to extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) is more strictly associated with direct contact and the oral-fecal route. Consequently, exposure to ESBL resulted and associated with the routinely tipping over of poults turned on their back, and with the individual administration of therapies.

PENGARUH PENYULUHAN DENGAN METODE CERAMAH DAN DISKUSI KELOMPOK TENTANG ALAT PELINDUNG DIRI TERHADAP PENINGKATAN PERILAKU PEKERJA LAS DI KECAMATAN PERCUT SEI TUAN TAHUN 2013

There are some informal welding shops in Percut Sei Tuan Subdistrict, especially at Kelurahan Kenanganand Kenangan Baru. From the preliminary survey, it has been found that there are still many employees whodo not use Personal Protection Devices (APD). The objective of the research was to know the influence ofspeech and group discussion methods in counseling on the increase of welding employees’ behavior. Thetype of the research was quasi-experiment with pretest-posttest group design; the research was conductedfrom February until May, 2013. The population was 42 welding employees at Kelurahan Kenangan andKenangan Baru, and all of them were used as the samples. The result of bivariate analysis showed that therewas the influence of speech method (p=0.000) and group discussion (p=0.000) in counseling on the increaseof the employees’ knowledge, attitude.and action. The result of multivariate analysis showed that groupdiscussion was better than speech in increasing the employees’ knowledge and attitude; it was identified bythe high level of the average grade in group discussion: 6.67>4.67 for knowledge and 18.48>13.00 forattitude (p<0.05), While the action aspect showed no significant difference to the use of personal protectivedevices by value (p = 1.000). It is recommended that the management of the Health Office in Deli SerdangDistrict as the policy maker should encourage all Public Health Centers (Puskesmas) in their working areato carry out the UKK (work health effort) program in order to increase the behavior of employees ininformal sector, especially about personal protection devices and the Department of Labor in order to moreactively monitor the informal sector workers especially workers in the use of welding personal protectivedevices. The owners of welding shops should provide personal protection devices to the employeesaccording to their specialization and supervise workers to wear personal protective devices while working

Knowledge and Perception of Farmers Regarding Pesticide Usage in a Rural Farming Village, Southern India.

Background:Farmers are extensively using pesticides for pest control in agriculture. Their precarious handling practices may lead to higher exposure resulting in adverse health effects.Aim:Current study was aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding pesticide usage and its toxic effects by farmers.Settings and Design:Cross sectional,Study Setting:Rural village in south Karnataka.Materials and Methods:Sample size: 171 farmers, Data collection: face to face standardized validated questionnaire.Statistical Analysis:Chi-square test.Results:A total of 118 males and 53 females participated in this study with median age of 40 years. About 61% of the farmers knew the harmful effects of pesticides. However, 22% of them were mixing the pesticides using their bare hands and 26% were not wearing any protective clothing during spraying pesticides. Around 67% were carelessly disposing the leftover pesticides in the open fields. Skin problems and neurological system disturbances were the most common pesticide related health symptoms. Equipment washing practices (P < 0.05) and protective clothing (P < 0.03) were significant predictors of health related problems. Significant associations were found between the occurrence of headache and equipment washing practices (P < 0.03), storage of pesticide remains (P < 0.02) and protective clothing (P < 0.01).Conclusion:These findings showed that knowledge level is adequate among farmers but this did not reflect in their practice. There is a need for continuous pesticide safety education along with training to the farmers regarding use of personal protective devices, personal hygiene and sanitation practices during and after application of pesticides.

Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Selected Paint Brands and Paint Chips from Old Buildings in Selected Local Government Areas in Lagos State, Nigeria

Background: One major deleterious component of paints are heavy metals and it has been reported that the general populace (especially children) can be exposed to the components of paints through the chipping of paints from buildings and runoffs of rain from painted buildings to other bodies of water. Objectives: To assess the awareness of painters and paint sellers on the heavy metal constituents of paints and their adverse effects. The study also, to evaluated the heavy metal constituents of commonly sold paints and paint chips of old buildings in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods: A self-administered well-structured questionnaire was distributed to fifty painters and fifty paint sellers to evaluate the occupational awareness on the use of personal protective devices, commonly experienced adverse symptoms, and also to know the commonly used and sold paints in Lagos, Nigeria. The heavy metal constituents were evaluated in ten paint brands (gloss and emulsion), and in 180 paint chip samples scraped off buildings located in selected LGAs in Lagos State, using the Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Results: The results showed that 54% were aware of the hazards associated with their jobs, however, 72% do not use protective gears, and 32% reported symptoms relating to hazard exposure to paints. The levels of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in paint brands and chips were below the permissible limits of 90 ppm of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and 100 ppm limit of the European Union (EU) for Pb and Cd in paint. However, the levels of chromium were higher than recommended. Conclusion: There is a need for proper monitoring of heavy metal (especially chromium) concentration in paints manufactured and sold in Lagos and Nigeria as whole, while also ensuring that painters adhere to best protective practices.

Profile of Ocular Trauma in a Tertiary Centre in Western Nepal

Introduction: Ocular trauma is an important cause of blindness and ocular morbidity throughout the world. The present study was done to establish the common causes of ocular trauma in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Western Nepal.Methods: In this prospective study, all the patients with ocular trauma visiting eye Out Patient Department (OPD) and Emergency Department of Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital (GMCTH) from June 2015 to June 2016 were included. A complete history and detailed ophthalmological evaluation was done.Results: Over a period of one year, 226 patients attended to the OPD and Emergency Department of GMCTH. Mean age of patients was 30.41 ±15.7 years. Males were 70.8% and females 29.2%. About 82.5% patients had visual acuity better than 6/18 while 17.7% had visual acuity &lt;3/60. Road traffic accident (RTA) was the most common cause followed by foreign bodies.Conclusions: Males are more prone to ocular trauma than females and majority of ocular trauma occurred at workplace. RTA is the commonest cause of ocular trauma. Very few patients used protective device. Public awareness and strict legislation for the use of personal protective devices can also help reduce the occurrence of ocular injury. J-GMC-N | Volume 11 | Issue 01 | January-June 2018, Page: 6-10

Emission Level of PM2.5 and its Association With Chronic Respiratory Symptoms Among Workers in Cement Industry: A Case of Mugher Cement Industry, Central Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, occupation-related respiratory symptoms are extensively increasing with the expansion of cement manufacturing industries. However, little information is available on the extent of emissions and its association with chronic respiratory diseases. This study assessed the emission level of PM2.5 and its association with chronic respiratory symptoms among workers in Mugher Cement Factory, in 2018. A cross sectional study was employed on a total of 309 cement factory workers. Air check sampler, model 224-54, was used to measure the concentration of PM2.5. Variables with P value &lt; 0.2 during bivariate analysis were selected as candidate for multiple logistic regressions. Significance level was set at P value &lt;0.05. A total of 309 workers participated in the study with an overall response rate of 97%. The mean age of the respondents was 32.02 years (±4.7 SD). Emission levels of all PM2.5 samples were above the allowed standard. Among the workers, 50.8% had chronic respiratory symptoms and factors associated were: working in raw material receiving unit (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]= 7.5, 95% CI, 2.9, 19.4), cement milling unit (AOR = 2.4, 95 % CI ,1.2, 4.8), packing unit (AOR= 2.2, 95% CI= 1.1, 4.3), workers’ monthly income level below 3000 ETB (AOR; 5.8, 95% CI,1.9, 17.6), and workers’ regular medical checkup (AOR = 2.4, 95 % CI, 1.0, 5.2). The concentration level of PM2.5 and prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms were high in the study area. Use of personal protective devices and periodic monitoring of installed pollution control devices is highly recommended.

English

In many of the textile industries, workers are largely exposed to cotton dust, which can leave workers with respiratory disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate respiratory status of workers exposed to cotton dust in Arba Minch textile factory, Southern Ethiopia, 2017. A comparative cross sectional study was done and 51 workers exposed to cotton dust in the factory and 51 age and sex matched controls were investigated. Their lung function was measured with a pocket size digital Spirometer. A standardized questionnaire based on British Medical Research Council Questionnaire was used to assess respiratory system symptoms and use of personal protective devices. This study reveals that the percentage prevalence of cough, phlegm, wheeze, breathlessness and chest tightness was 64.7, 55, 39, 41 and 43% for exposed respondents, respectively and 25.5, 14, 8, 6 and 0% for control subjects, respectively. Lung function indices such as, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced mid expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of FVC (FEF25-75%) were higher in control respondents than in exposed respondents and the mean difference was found to be statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) and the mean difference of predicted percentage values of FVC and FEV1 between the groups was found to be statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). FEV1% was higher in the control group than in exposed group.&nbsp; Therefore, the factory management should provide personal protective devices (PPDs) to exposed employees and should train them. &nbsp; Key words: Cotton dust, textile, lung functions, respiratory symptoms.

Opportunities and obstacles in translating evidence to policy in occupational asthma

PurposeOccupational asthma (OA), a common respiratory disorder in Western countries, is caused by exposures at the workplace. It is part of a broader definition of work-related asthma (WRA) that also includes pre-existing asthma aggravated by substances present in the workplace environment, and it is potentially preventable. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate preventive measures for occupational asthma by case studies. MethodsIn three case studies we discuss preventive measures that have been associated with reductions in incidence of occupational asthma from natural rubber latex and from diisocyanates as supported by published literature. We also discuss challenges in relation to asthma from cleaning products in healthcare work. Results and conclusionsSeveral preventive measures have been associated with reduction in incidence of occupational asthma from natural rubber latex and from diisocyanates, and may provide lessons for prevention of other causes of occupational asthma. Cleaning products remain an unresolved problem at present with respect to asthma risks but potential measures include the use of safer products and safer applications such as avoidance of spray products, use of occupational hygiene methods such as improving local ventilation, and when appropriate, the use of personal protective devices.

Health Status of Traffic Police in Kathmandu Valley

Background: Traffic Policeman are constantly exposed to health hazards due to their occupation. They are at risk of developing various diseases due to exposure to noises, dust, gases, fumes etc. during their work. Objectives of this study was to find out the health status of traffic police and common health problems due to their occupation.&#x0D; Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among Traffic Police of Kathmandu Valley. Convenient sampling technique was used. A structured questionnaire was used to assess prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, acute respiratory tract infection, skin allergy, eye problems, ear problems, utilization of safety measures and health seeking practice. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used for the assessment of status of depression. Clinical Examination was done by medical doctors to determine common physical health problems. Data were entered and analyzed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.&#x0D; Results: A total of 296 traffic police were enrolled in the study with mean age of 31.07 years. Burning Eyes or Tearful Eyes was complaining of 72.3% of the respondents and almost two-fifth complained of some problem in vision. Nearly nine out of 10 respondents (87.8%) had musculoskeletal pain in at least one part of the body (neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hands, upper back, lower back, hip/thigh, knee and ankle) with major problem being upper and lower back pain. Based on PHQ-9 Questionnaire, it was found that 58.8% of the respondents were in state of some kind of depression.&#x0D; Conclusion: Traffic Police are constantly exposed to health hazards due to their occupation. The prevalence of musculoskeletal, ocular and hearing problems was higher among them. Awareness progarmmes should be carried out targeting them regarding the preventive measure, use of personal protective devices and regular health check-up.

Self-assessment of hearing quality of traffic policemen working in Dharan-Biratnagar corridor

The automobiles are an important source of not only air pollution but also of a significant proportion of noise pollution. The traffic police engaged in controlling traffic, particularly at heavy traffic junctions, belong to the high risk group to be affected by the health hazards of noise and air pollution. To assess the hearing quality of traffic policeman towards the health effects caused by noise pollution and their practices on the use of protective measures. The present cross-sectional study was carried out among 78 traffic policemen working in Dharan-Biratnagar corridor. The questionnaire included questions regarding the self- assessment of the traffic policeman about their hearing ability, past and present exposure to loud sound produce by automobiles and the use of personal protective devices. Ethical clearance was obtained from ethical board of BPKIHS, Verbal consent was taken from all the study subjects. Finding of this study shows that most of the respondents were between the ages of 25 to 29 years (33.3%), similarly 26% were under noise exposure since more than 10 to 14 years and 34.6% had exposure of noise 10 to 15 hours per day. Their self-assessment of hearing ability shows that 6.4% traffic policemen usually missed a lot when conversing with someone on phone, while 9% reported similar condition while talking to someone in a crowd and 23.1% reported that while watching television or while listening radio they usually kept the sound louder to hear properly. The study also revealed that the traffic police, in general do not use any personal protective equipment (92.3 %) and the non-availability of the PPEs is the common reasons for it. The self-assessment of hearing by traffic policemen sug­gests that most of the traffic policemen have normal hearing. However, a systematic study with audiometry of these subjects is recommended.

Occupational hazards and safety measures amongst the paint factory workers in lagos, Nigeria.

BackgroundThe manufacture of paint involves a variety of processes that present with medical hazards. Safety initiatives are hence introduced to limit hazard exposures and promote workplace safety. This aim of this study is to assess the use of available control measures/initiatives in selected paint factories in Lagos West Senatorial District, Nigeria.MethodsA total of 400 randomly selected paint factory workers were involved in the study. A well-structured World Health Organization standard questionnaire was designed and distributed to the workers to elicit information on awareness to occupational hazards, use of personal protective devices, and commonly experienced adverse symptoms. Urine samples were obtained from 50 workers randomly selected from these 400 participants, and the concentrations of the heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium) were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy.ResultsThe results show that 72.5% of the respondents are aware of the hazards associated with their jobs; 30% have had formal training on hazards and safety measures; 40% do not use personal protective devices, and 90% of the respondents reported symptoms relating to hazard exposure. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in the mean heavy metal concentrations in the urine samples obtained from paint factory workers as compared with nonfactory workers.ConclusionThe need to develop effective frameworks that will initiate the integration and ensure implementation of safety regulations in paint factories is evident. Where these exist, there is a need to promote adherence to these practice guidelines.