Prevalence and factors affecting work-related injury among workers engaged in Small and Medium-Scale Industries in Gondar wereda, north Gondar zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract
Background: In developing countries including Ethiopia, the risk of having work-related injury is 10 to 20 times
higher than that of developed countries.
Objective: To asses the magnitude and factors affecting work-related injury among small and medium-scale industrial
workers in North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia.
Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional comparative study was conducted from November to December, 2004 in
Gondar Wereda. A total of 962 employed workers in small and medium-scale industries were selected randomly.
Trained data collectors administered a pre-tested and standardized questionnaire. Physical examination and record
review were done to ascertain self- reported injuries. Data were entered and cleaned using EPI INFO version 6.04 a
statistical soft ware. SPSS window version 11.0 was also employed for descriptive and logistics regression analysis.
Results: The annual and two weeks prevalence rate of work-related injury was respectively 335 and 120 per 1000
exposed workers. Out of the total work-related injuries, 114 (35.5%) and 208 (32.4%) occurred among small and
medium-scale industrial workers, respectively. The prevalence and severity of annual rate of injury was not associated
with the type of industry. The most significant contributing factors for work-related injuries in such small and medium
industries were service duration of 5 years or less in the present job [AOR: 1.53, 95 % CI: (1.12-2.08)], working 48
hours or less per week [AOR: 0.68, 95 % CI: (0.49, 0.94)], workplace supervision [AOR: 0.61, 95 % CI: (0.45, 0.83)],
sleep disorder [AOR: 1.49, 95 % CI: (1.04, 2.14)] and job satisfaction [OR: 0.59, 95 % CI: (0.43,0.83)]. Job categories
related to mechanic and welding also represented to be factors positively affecting injury: [AOR: 2.09, 95 % CI: (1.31,
3.33)], and [AOR: 3.23, 95 % CI: (1.98, 5.28)], respectively. The above-mentioned factors made a difference in the
outcome of injury by the type of industries. Hours worked per week, work place supervision and job satisfaction acted
as protective in medium-scale industry, while being a mechanic, welder and sleeping disorder acted as a risk factor for
the same industry.
Conclusion and Recommendation: Increased rate of work related injury was observed when compared with similar
studies done elsewhere. Preventive measures concerning functional occupational health and safety programs are
essential to safeguard the health and safety condition of workforce in small and medium scale industries.
[Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2007;21(1):25-34]