Occupational Hazards and Safety Practices among Woodworkers in Sokoban Wood Village, Ghana

Cecilia Opoku Agyemang; Oscar Agyemang Opoku

doi:10.56741/jphs.v4i01.774

Authors

Cecilia Opoku Agyemang Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital
Oscar Agyemang Opoku
oscarthesis@gmail.com
University of Cape Coast https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5665-5685

Keywords:

ENT, Knowledge, Occupational Hazards, Safety, Woodworkers

Abstract

The study determined the knowledge of workers on occupational health hazards and safety practices at Sokoban Wood Village in Ghana. A descriptive design with a quantitative approach was adopted. The study employed convenience sampling of the non-probability technique to select respondents to participate in the study. Data was collected from 83 respondents using structured questionnaires and analyzed descriptively with the aid of SPSS software. These findings shed light on the potential risks and challenges faced by the participants, highlighting the importance of occupational safety measures and health education to mitigate these hazards. Woodworkers were aware of occupational hazards associated with their work. The lack of proactive measures in response to noise pollution and the reliance on self-medication for airway-related ailments highlight the need for improved awareness, education, and healthcare services. It was recommended, among other things, that the leaders and managers should link up with local health authorities to provide comprehensive training programs that educate woodworkers about the potential hazards they face in their occupation, particularly related to sawdust and noise exposure.

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Author Biographies

Cecilia Opoku Agyemang, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

is a multifaceted academic and researcher, currently pursuing her PhD. As a lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), affiliate lecturer at the ENT School, and adjunct lecturer at Christian Service University College, Cecilia has established herself as an expert in her field. Her research interests converge on public health and nursing, with a specific focus on ear, nose, and throat (ENT) structures. Cecilia's unique blend of quantitative and qualitative research skills enables her to tackle complex health issues from multiple angles. (email: cecilia@entnursingsch.edu.gh).

Oscar Agyemang Opoku, University of Cape Coast

is a young researcher and industry player. As a Geography Scholar and a Development Planning Officer, Dr. Opoku has equipped himself with skills in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies by fusing descriptive analysis, explanatory analysis, interview and questionnaire data, thematic & content analysis, regression, and Structural Equation Modelling. His robust skills in mixed methods permit him to confront complex public health issues and developmental challenges from different perspectives. His research interests cover Health Geography, Economic Geography, Development Planning, climate change, Disaster Risk Reduction Planning, Project Management, and Business Management. He is a reviewer of many peer-reviewed and Scopus-indexed journals worldwide. (email: Oscar.opoku@stu.ucc.edu.gh).

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