Toxicología ambiental y analítica

Analysis of Occupational Hazards and Safety of Workers in Selected Working Environments within Enugu Metropolis

Abstract

Emodi Edmund E

Workers in various occupations have been subjected to various enormous pains and sufferings. The workplace is supposed to be the second home of the workers, having put in a lot of hours in the workplace each week. Unfortunately, some of the hazards faced by workers are brought about by the ignorance of the workers, resulting in the workers not adhering to the guiding rules in the occupation. Besides, the employers themselves also contribute towards bring these hazards into place in the working environment. This paper, therefore examined the various hazards faced by workers in various occupations in Enugu Metropolis. Occupations in seven industries of agriculture, building, construction, Energy/ power, communications, Education and transport were studied. Questionnaires were used primarily to collect data. Descriptive statistics of frequency distribution and percentage were used in the analysis of data. The findings included that there was no policy guideline in each of the industries studied in the area. It was recommended among other things that employers should improve working conditions of workers in the industries and organize seminars, education programmes and ergonomic interventions so as to ensure that workers remain healthy.