Comparative Assessment of Occupational Hazards among Fish Processors Using Improved and Traditional Methods in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Protecting the health and well-being of fish processors is essential for enhancing the safety and efficiency of fish processing methods.This study comparatively assessed the occupational hazards associated with fish processing using improved and traditional methods in Ogun State, Nigeria.A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted and data were obtained with an interview schedule.A total of 60 fish processors using improved fish processing methods (IFPMs) and 198 fish processors using traditional fish processing methods (TFPMs) were sampled through multistage sampling procedure consisting of snowballing and convenient sampling techniques respectively.Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, means, standard deviation and independent student-t test analytical techniques.Results revealed that majority of respondents using TFPMs (97.0%) and IFPMs (96.7%) had experienced work injuries.Higher proportions of respondents using TFPMs (59.6%) and IFPMs (96.7%) were working under safe conditions.Also, 98.0% and 100.0% of fish processors using TFPMs and IFPMs were exposed to less severe hazards respectively.Results of student-t test indicated that fish processors using IFPMs worked under conditions that are significantly of better quality (t = 6.4894, p<0.01).Also, there was a significant difference in the severity of occupational hazards of fish processors using TFPMs and IFPMs (t = 9.9491, p<0.01).The study concluded that the quality of working condition and severity of occupational hazards experienced by fish processors were O.J. Olaoye et al., AJAFS 8 (2024) 17-32 18 influenced by the fish processing methods.It was recommended that all fish processors should employ the use of improved technologies in their fish processing business.