Prevalence and Associated Factors of Work Related Injuries in Iron and Steel Factories in Bishoftu and Dukem Towns, Oromia Regional State, Central Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: The risk of occupational diseases and injuries has become by far the most prevalent and major health problem. Particularly, steel industries continued to be dangerous for the health of workers. This study aimed to produce relevant and up to date information on work-related injuries that could be used in the development of preventive measures and intervention priorities to safeguard the health and safety condition of the work force in industries. Objective: To assess the prevalence of work-related injuries and associated risk factors among production workers in iron and steel industries in Bishoftu and Dukem Towns, Oromia regional state, Central Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was carried out in November, 2015. Production workers in five iron and steel industries were first stratified by working sections and a total of 359 workers were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using pretested, questionnaire and observational checklist. Data were entered using Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. The magnitude and characteristics of work-related injuries, and the socio-demographic, work environment and behavioral characteristics of the respondents were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to identify the associated risk factors of injuries. Results: The injury prevalence rate was 36.5% per year and the most common causes of injury were Hot metal contact (18.6%), fire and explosion (16%), splintering objects (15.5%), machinery (14.4%), and hit by falling objects (12.4%). Working in maintenance section [AOR=2.6, 95% CI: (1.4, 4.6)], lack of health and safety training [AOR=2.9, 95% CI: (1.7, 5.1)], night shifts [AOR=3.6, 95% CI: (1.5, 8.5)], and job dissatisfaction [AOR=2.7, 95% CI: (1.6, 4.5)] were found to increase the risk of work-related injury compared with the respective counterparts. Conclusion: Work-related injuries were high among iron and steel industries workers. A significant relationship between work-related injuries and job category, health and safety training, night shift and job satisfaction were found. Emphasis should be given to provision of appropriate health and safety training, interventions to help workers in maintenance section and night shift and to increase job satisfaction using different motivational factors.