Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs
Open Access

Abstract

Objective:To assess the prevalence of work related injuries and associated risk factors among production workers in iron and steel industries in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study design was used from August to September, 2010. Four iron and steel industries were first stratified into three sections and a total of 453 Production workers were selected by simple random sampling. Data was collected by face to Face interview using pre-tested and structured questionnaire, review of records and by check Lists. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16 and bivariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the associated risk factors of injuries. Results: The injury prevalence rate was 33.3% per year and most common causes of injury were Splitting and flying objects (16.4%), hit by falling objects (13.7%) and machinery (12.6%).Workers were exposed to preventable workplace hazards such as to excessive noise, fumes and dusts and to old and unguarded machines, splitting materials and sparking of metals. Workers consuming alcohol during working days, without spouse, perceiving their work highly stressful and not using personal protective equipment (PPE) were more likely to be injured than their Counterpart. Conclusions: Work-related injuries were high among iron and steel industries workers. Work Stress, nonuse of PPE, consuming alcohol during working days, and excessive noise were Observed as modifiable risk factors. Therefore, creating awareness by providing training about Risk factors, providing PPE and establishments of safety programs in industries can reduce and Prevent workplace injuries.

Biography

Manay Kifle has got his BSc. in Occupational Health and Safety and Master in General Public Health from University of Gondar and Joined the University of Gondar, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety as a lecture on October 24, 2007. He gives lecture for undergraduate and postgraduate classes? courses including ?Introduction to environmental health and occupational health?, ?Environmental and Occupational Health and safety inspection?, ?Occupational safety?, ?Occupational Ergonomics?, ?Industrial Hygiene and etc. He also working in undertaking researches and providing community service; advise, supervise and review undergraduate and graduate students? researches; supervising students and staff for community mobilization; developing undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum; undertake other committee responsibilities; teaching undergraduate students and supervising students? on field work.