Occupational health risk of working in garages: comparative study on blood pressure and hematological parameters between garage workers and Haramaya University community, Harar, eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundOccupational exposure to chemicals in garages causes a wide range of biological effects, depending upon the level and duration of exposure. In Ethiopia, there have been few studies conducted to assess the exposure of garage workers to chemicals. Preceding studies have not explored the effect of working in garage on blood pressure and hematological parameters. Therefore, this study aimed to assess differences in blood pressure and hematological parameters among garage workers compared to the Haramaya University community, Harar, eastern Ethiopia.Materials and methodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia. Thirty garage workers were selected and compared with 30 age- and sex-matched controls comprising of teachers and students. Demographic and occupational data were collected by using a structured questionnaire by a trained data collector. Blood pressure was measured using sphygmomanometry. Hematological parameters were measured with an automated hematology analyzer. Data were analyzed using Stata version 13.ResultsThe majority of the garage workers did not implement effective preventive or control measures for workplace chemical exposure. Statistically significant increases were found in systolic (128.67±18.14 vs 106.33 ±9.27 mmHg, P<0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (90.33±11.29 vs 75.67 ±5.68 mmHg, P<0.0001), total white blood cells (7.9±1.51 vs 6.72±2.04×109 cells/L, P=0.0138), and platelets (323.20±48.82 vs 244.1±47.3×109 cells/L, P<0.0001) in garage workers compared to the control group. On the other hand, statistically significant decreases were found in red blood cells (5.13±0.38 vs 5.46±0.36×1012 cells/L, P=0.0006), hemoglobin (14.89±0.71 vs 15.45±0.87 g/dL, P=0.0062), hematocrit (43.98%±1.99% vs 46.4%3±2.32%, P<0.0001), and mean corpuscular volume (83.19±2.93 vs 85.11±3.87 fL, P=0.0353) among garage workers compared to the control group.ConclusionThere were significant differences in blood pressure and hematological parameters between garage workers and the control group. Therefore, appropriate and effective safety measures need to be taken by the workers to prevent possible chemical exposure during routine tasks.

Management of Used Engine Oil in Auto and Motor Repair Garages in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

“…Most garage workers do not use protective equipment while handling the used engine oil, also they do not change their cloth after coming in contact with the used oil, thus increasing their chance of contact with the used oil. In Ethiopia, majority of the workers (80%) do not use any kind of personal protective equipment and did not follow safety measures [5]. According to the same study, 46.67% of garage workers had a habit of smoking, drinking, and eating at the garage where the used oil is kept, further increasing their chance of ingesting the used oil.…”

“…This was explained to be caused by the high rate of unemployment. Also in Ethiopia, the majority (43%) of garage workers were found to be about 28-37 years old [5]. Poor education among the auto and motor garage workers in Ouagadougou could be due to the availability of a number of casual jobs that do not necessitate any formal education.…”

“…Despite the benefits derived from their recycling, used engine oil and their degradation products can enter into the environment through runoffs [5], thus posing a risk to aquatic organisms; human beings may also be affected through direct contact or the consumption of contaminated vegetables and animals from such polluted environment. Many researchers have identified different adverse effects of used engine oil on health of garage workers' in developing countries.…”

Chemical exposure in garage workers and related health risks on the biochemical levels: A comparative study in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia

“…23,24 Our previous work indicates that there were significant differences in blood pressure and hematological parameters between garage workers and the control group. 25 However, to the best of the investigators’ knowledge, data are lacking on the effects of different types of chemical exposure at the workplace on biochemical levels. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the level of biochemical levels and determine their differences among garage workers compared with the nonexposed control individuals in Harar town.…”

Analysis of challenges for automobile service garages in India: a structural modeling approach

“…Apreko et al (2015) suggested that a good ambience in an automotive garage is achieved through good housekeeping, lighting, ventilation, maintenance of the floor and drainage as well as washroom facilities. Ataro et al (2018) made a shocking revelation that the safety in automobile garage is always sabotaged by poor working environment. Substantiating the above fact, the surveys conducted at several garages in India have revealed that the ambience was found to be very poor in several freelances and depot garages, which was not congenial for the technicians.…”