Occupational Health Hazards and Protective Measures among Workers in Pesticide Factory

Abstract

Background: Using of protective measures at work place can protect workers from physical, chemical or mechanical hazards. Aim of the study: Was to assess occupational health hazards and protective measures among workers in pesticide factories. Research design: A descriptive research design was utilized to conduct this study. Setting: This study was conducted at kafr- El Zayat Pesticide Factory. Sampling: A simple random sample was utilized in this study, in the previous mentioned setting to study 225 workers. Tools: Two tool were used: First tool: A Structured interviewing questionnaire divided into two parts. Part (I): Consist of three sections (A) Socio-demographic characteristics of workers, (B) characteristics of work, (C) health problems facing workers in last six months. Part (II): Knowledge of workers regarding occupational health hazards in pesticide factories. Second tool: Observational check list to assess practices of workers toward preventive measures. Result: 45.3% of the studied workers aged 30- >40 years with Mean age of workers = 35.93±8.10, 17.3 % of the studied workers exposes to fracture and 10.2 % exposed to Muscle fatigue and only 4.4% done periodic checkup, 33.8% of the studied employees have good level of total knowledge and 53.8% of the studied workers had satisfactory level regarding their total reported practices. Conclusion: Highly statistically significant relation between the studied employees total knowledge level and total reported practices. Recommendations: Developing health educational program regarding occupational health hazards and preventive measures should be developed and implemented for workers in pesticide factories.