Knowledge of Chemical Hazards and Safety Practices among Furniture Makers Exposed to Organic Solvents in Ile-Ife Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Furniture making industries commonly operate on small scale in Nigeria and their practices are poorly regulated. There has been less focus on the work practice and level of knowledge of related chemical hazards among people working in this sector. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the furniture makers' level of knowledge on health effect of related chemical hazards and assess the factors affecting their use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. 108 participants were enrolled using a multi-stage sampling technique. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data from participants while checklist was used to assess their workshop. A p-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Result: Good level of knowledge of chemical hazard was observed among 65% of the respondents. The levels of knowledge of PPE use and health effect of exposure to these chemicals were, 64.4% and 54% respectively. Common factors affecting the use of PPE among furniture makers were lack of felt need, awareness and discomfort. None of the workshops inspected met the specifications stipulated for spray painting. Conclusion: Furniture makers are at risk of the health effects of chemical hazards. Majority of the respondents had poor knowledge of the effect of this hazard and did not use PPE, thus putting them at risk. There is a need for health education intervention to improve their level of knowledge which may also serve as motivating factor to improve on the use of appropriate PPE among these artisans.