Assessment of Occupational Hazards and Health Risks Among Workers in Kaidi Quarry Industry, Ohosu, Ovia North-East, Edo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: The quarry industry is a demanding and hazardous workplace that threatens the health and safety of its workforce through chemical exposures, physical strain, and ergonomic challenges. Workers in this sector face multiple occupational risks that place their wellbeing in jeopardy. Objectives: This study investigated occupational hazards and health risks among workers at Kaidi Quarry Industry, Ohosu, Ovia North-East, Edo State, Nigeria, to provide evidence for improving workplace health and safety standards. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Data were obtained from 101 workers using structured questionnaires administered through stratified random sampling. Both descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (chi-square tests) were employed for data analysis using SPSS version 26. Results: Findings revealed high exposure levels to occupational hazards: 87.1% were exposed to dust, 75.2% to loud noise, and 62.4% to extreme heat. Reported health issues included respiratory symptoms (68.3%), skin irritation (55.4%), and musculoskeletal disorders (47.5%). Only 48.5% consistently used personal protective equipment (PPE), while 61.4% viewed existing safety measures as inadequate. Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between job role and hazard exposure (p = 0.041), between employment duration and respiratory issues (p = 0.038), and between hazard exposure and health risks (χ² = 19.58, p = 0.0097). PPE availability showed significant impact on worker health outcomes (χ² = 21.48, p = 0.0107). Conclusion/Recommendations: Kaidi quarry workers face widespread exposure to occupational hazards with serious health consequences, while existing safety measures remain inadequate. The study recommends stronger regulatory enforcement, improved health education programs, mandatory use of personal protective equipment, enhanced workplace safety infrastructure, regular role-specific training, routine health surveillance for high-risk workers, and collaboration with regulatory bodies like NESREA to ensure compliance and improve workplace conditions.