Utilization of ocular safety devices among Sawmill workers in Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: The study was carried out to assess the use of eye safety devices in sawmill workers in Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of sawmill workers was carried out using pretested questionnaires. Ocular examination was done on site with a pen torch, portable hand-held slit lamp bio-microscope and direct ophthalmoscope. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 16) was used to analyze the data obtained; P< 0.05 was taken as significant.

Results: A total of 553 sawmill workers were studied of which 449 (81.2%) and 104 (18.8%) were technical and administrative sawmill workers respectively. There were 496 (89.7%) males and 57 (10.3%) females giving a male to female ratio of 8.7:1. The mean age and standard deviation was 38.9 years � 12.8. Secondary education was the most common level attained in 308 (55.7%) workers while the least number was in those without formal education 22 (4.0%). Seven (1.6%) of the 449 technical sawmill workers screened used protective eye device. Goggles 4 (57.0%) and sunglasses 3 (43.0%) were the protective eye device used. Monocular blindness arising from injury at work occurred in 5 (0.9%) workers. None of the administrative workers used protective eye devices. Non-availability of safety eye devices was the major reason attributed for not using the protective devices.

Conclusion: There is need to safeguard the ocular health of sawmill workers in Nigeria by provision of eye safety devices, health education of the workers on the benefits of its use and enforcement of safety regulations.