The pooled effect of Factors Contributing to Occupational Injury among Workers in the Construction, Manufacturing, and Mining Industries in Africa: A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

Working in the industry is commonly associated with a combination of personal and environmental health and safety risks. However, the finding from African countries on the factors contributing to occupational injury is inconsistent and not inclusive. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis were estimated the pooled effect of factors leading to occupational injury among workers in the industries in Africa.Published articles found in Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched. Observational studies revealing the factors leading to occupational injury among workers in the industry in Africa were incorporated. The pooled effect size of the studies was computed using STATA version 14 statistical software. The heterogeneity of the study was assessed using Cochrane Q test statistics, the I-squared values test, and the Galbraith plot. Considering within and between studies variability, the random-effect model was used to determine the pooled effect size. Funnel plot and egger's tests were conducted to evaluate publication bias.Out of 603 accessed studies, 20 studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included to estimate the pooled effect of factors contributing to occupational injury. Accordingly, being temporary employment workers (pooled odds ratio= 2.13 (1.06, 3.21)), not receiving ongoing health and safety training (pooled odds ratio= 1.98 (1.21, 2.76), and the proper and consistent use of personal protective equipment (pooled odds ratio= 0.60 (0.32, 0.88) were factors significantly associated with the odds of experiencing an occupational injury. Being temporary employment workers and not receiving ongoing health and safety training elevates the odds of sustaining occupational injuries. But, the proper and consistent use of personal protective equipment reduces the odds of experiencing an occupational injury. Hence, the government, industrial managers and industrial hygienists, and other stakeholders should implement rigorous law enforcement to ensure compliance, proper implementation of health and safety measures practices, and safety audits.