Occupational Health Hazards for Workers at the Plastic Factory in Benha City.

Abstract

Background: Occupational health hazards in the workplace include chemical, physical, biological, and psychological hazards. Plastic factory workers perform strenuous tasks and are exposed to a variety of health risks and hazards. Aim of study was to assess occupational health hazards for workers at Plastic Factory in Benha City. Research Design: Descriptive research design was utilized to conduct this study. Setting: The study was conducted at the Plastic Factory in Benha City. Study subjects: A convenience sample was used including150 plastic factory workers. Tools of data collection: Two tools were used: Tool (I): A structured interviewing questionnaire to assess; A- Social demographic characteristics of the studied workers, B- Work characteristics of the studied workers, C- Health problems of the studied workers, D- Knowledge of the studied workers about occupational health hazards and E- Reported practices of the studied workers about prevention of occupational health hazards and Tool (II): Environmental checklist to assess work environmental condition of workers regarding prevention of occupational health hazards. Results: 61.3% of the studied workers’ age ranged from 30 to less than 40 years old, 56.0% of the studied workers had intermediate education, 12.0 % of the studied workers had a good knowledge level about occupational health hazards and 61.3% of the studied workers had unsatisfactory reported practices about prevention of occupational health hazards. Conclusion: There was statistically significant correlation between the studied workers’ total knowledge score and total reported practices score. Recommendations: Developing health educational program for workers at the plastic factory to improve and update their knowledge and practices regarding prevention of occupational health hazards.