Prevalence, pattern and factors associated with workplace violence against healthcare workers in Nigeria: A systematic review

Objective:This study aimed to describe the prevalence, pattern, and predictors of WPVagainst HCWs in Nigeria. Methods:Asystematic review was conducted using pre-defined keywords. The review was performed in line with the PRISMAguidelines on PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. The population, intervention, comparator, and outcome (PICO) elements for this study were as follows: Population:Nigerian Healthcare workers; Intervention: Exposure to WPV; Comparator: Non-exposure to WPV; Outcome: Mental and Physical health outcomes of exposure to WPV. Of the 18,140 articles retrieved, 15 cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. In all, 3,245 HCWs were included, and consisted majorly of nurses and doctors. Results:The overall prevalence of WPV(Physical > Verbal/Psychological > Sexual) against HCWs ranged between 39.1%-100%. The predictors of WPVare younger ages (AOR = 2.513, p = 0.012), working in psychiatric unit (AOR = 11.182, p = 0.006), and increased frequency of interaction with patients, and mostly perpetrated by patients and their relatives. Many health facilities lacked a formal reporting system and policies to protect HCWs from WPV. Conclusion:WPVagainst HCWs is a public health problem in Nigeria with dire implications on HCWs; the victims, and the aggressor. Administrators of health facilities should design protocols for WPVreporting, recognition, and management. Patient and 'relatives' education on the 'facilities' policy against WPVshould be undertaken, while orientation sessions on the risk factors for HCWs are scheduled.

Occupational health and safety challenges among artisanal and small-scale diamond miners in Kimberley, South Africa

Background: Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is a laborious process often executed with rudimentary low-technology mining equipment. It exposes miners to a myriad of occupational hazards, which may increase health and safety disparities between them and formally employed mine workers. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to identify workplace hazards and the associated risks; and to assess the effects of mining activities on the health and environment of artisanal diamond miners in Kimberley, Northern Cape province. Methods: This was an interdisciplinary observational ethnographic study. A workplace assessment was undertaken at seven sites in Kimberley. Participants were conveniently selected; snowballing was used to recruit additional participants. Field notes were recorded from observations. Interview questions included those about the duration of artisanal mining, and the risks faced in the workplace. Data collection included photographic documentation. An inductive and deductive process was used to analyse the data and thematic analysis was conducted. Results: The observed occupational hazards included physical (ultraviolet radiation exposure, injuries due to trauma), respiratory (silica dust exposure), biomechanical (heavy lifting, repetitive movement), and psychological (work-related stress, anxiety) hazards. There was a paucity of access to, and use of, personal protective equipment (PPE). Workers improvised ways to protect themselves, e.g. by using cloths as masks. There was no recourse to formal occupational health services and social safety networks. Conclusion: Occupational health and safety challenges included physical, biomechanical, respiratory, and psychosocial hazards. The mining activities had a detrimental impact on the environment.

Occupational safety and health development and challenges in Ethiopia: a case study of the Hawassa Industrial Park

Background: In Ethiopia, industrial parks that specialise in garment production are increasing in number and have created job opportunities for more than 45 000 workers. However, healthcare services, including occupational safety and health (OSH), are not commensurate with the growth and needs of the industry. Objectives: We assessed the supply and demand, barriers, governance, and regulation of health services and OSH at Hawassa Industrial Park, the largest industrial park in Ethiopia. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative data were collected via interviews with 260 randomly selected workers, focus group discussions with workers and health professionals, and key informant interviews with industrial park management, and government and non-government stakeholders. Ethiopian OHS polices, regulations, guidelines, directives, and strategies were also reviewed. Results: Hawassa Industrial Park hosts 21 globally known companies and more than 23 000 workers. Of the 260 workers interviewed, most (83.1%) were aged 18-24 years. Findings included that the delivery of OSH and primary healthcare is inadequate to ensure safety and meet workers' needs. Use of personal protective equipment is erratic; conditions in the cafeteria are unsanitary, as is the water; use of bathrooms is restricted; workers work long shifts with short breaks; wages are low; and healthcare is expensive, increasing the risk of occupational injuries and diseases. Workers have no OSH committee or trade unions, and Ethiopian Government regulations and enforcement are weak. There is no collaboration between the Park and the Ministry of Health to provide primary healthcare services for the workers. Conclusion: The workers in Hawassa Industrial Park urgently need improved access to, and coverage for, primary healthcare, including OSH; higher wages; and empowerment to exercise their right to organise. All stakeholders need capacity building to enable them to implement OSH.

Awareness and utilization of personal protective equipment among small-scale welders in Cross River State, Nigeria: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Objective:Rapid urbanization and industrialization in the many low-and middle-income countries means that there is a growing demand for the welding industry. Previous studies in Nigeria, and other low-and middle-income countries have reported a significant discrepancy between awareness and consistent and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This study assessed the awareness and utilization of PPE among small-scale welders in Calabar South, Cross River State, Nigeria. Methods:This study was conducted in Calabar South Local Government Area using a descriptive cross-sectional design. Data collection was with an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire, and an observation checklist was used to monitor the use of PPE among small-scale welders. Results:One hundred and sixteen small-scale welders were surveyed with a mean age of 34.9 ±9.1 years. Almost 90% of respondents had completed at least primary education. Eighty-one respondents (69.8%) were aware of PPE. Three-quarters of respondents (61/81) knewPPE protected the user from injury. The most frequently identified type of welding PPE among the respondents aware of PPE, were safety goggles (38.3%), hand gloves (25.9%), safety boots (19.8%), and coveralls (9.9%). 83.6% had access to PPE at work. However, only 14.4% reported using PPE consistently. Observation revealed that the PPE most frequently used, sunglasses, were not the recommended welding goggles.Conclusion:The low utilization of PPE calls for stricter enforcement of occupational health and safety regulations among welders in the informal sector, including implementing PPE awareness programs.

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss in platinum miners: what do the data tell us?

Background: Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is one of the most common occupational health diseases affecting miners in South Africa. Accurate and appropriate medical data are essential for making valid diagnoses. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the electronic records of a South African platinum mine's audiometry medical surveillance system and their role in early diagnosis of ONIHL. Ear-related conditions of affected miners, occupations, and noise levels were concurrently reviewed, and the characteristics of miners with and without ONIHL were described. Methods: This was an analysis of secondary data from the electronic audiometry and employee occupational records of 305 platinum mine workers for the period 2014 to 2017. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Although the audiometry records contained appropriate and relevant data, including annual hearing screening percentage loss of hearing (PLH) shifts, there was evidence of inaccurate and insufficient recording of risk factors for hearing loss in the medical surveillance records. The records indicated that the miners in some occupations were exposed to dangerously high noise levels, exceeding 85 dB(A). Miners as young as 21 years of age were diagnosed with ONIHL. Conclusion: The insufficient and inaccurate data captured in the miners' records has important implications for the mine's efficient implementation of hearing conservation programme (HCP) elements aimed at mitigating ONIHL. The hazardous noise levels recorded call for increased attempts to meet noise level regulations, while the presence of conditions such as pseudohypacusis highlights the need for exploration of more reliable assessment measures

Occupational health problems and work practices of hairdressers in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

There are several million hairdressers worldwide who are chronically exposed to various chemicals used in hairdressing business. This study aimed at determining the occupational health problems and work practices of hairdressers in Uyo, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in March 2017.The study participants consisted of all consenting hairdressers in Uyo metropolis, Nigeria who had been working for at least 6 months prior to the study. Data obtained was analyzed using STATA 12.1 software. Level of significance was set at 5%. A total of 429 hairdressers participated in the study. The mean age of respondents was 28.5 �7.5 years. Majority, (88.3%) were females and 63.9% were single. Ninety percent had at least secondary education, while 47.6% had worked for > 3years. Health problems reported included back pain 61.5%, tiredness 57.1%, Itching/ redness of hands 43.1%, eye itching 26.1%, catarrh 22.8% and hearing difficulty 17.7%. Injuries included needle pricks 59.0% and cuts 46.9%. Standing for > 8 hours was reported by 33% of respondents. Use of any personal protective equipment (PPE) was 67.6%. The most commonly used was glove 42.7%. Awareness about PPE increased with respondent's level of education (p<0.05).Hand lesions were significantly less among those who used gloves as 95.6% had no chemical burns and rashes, 95.1% experienced no dryness and 63.4% had no itching/redness (p<0.05). The respondents reported several health problems. Work practices included poor use of PPE and prolonged standing. Regular workplace safety training, shift duty and use of ergonomically suitable chairs are advocated for hairdressers

Digital radiological surveillance of silicosis and related tuberculosis in the South African mining industry practical and technical considerations

The switch from analogue to digital radiography formats for surveillance for silicosis and tuberculosis in the South African mining industry raised the question of equivalence of formats for this purpose. As a result, the South African Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC) sponsored a study, recently published, on the equivalence of digital and analogue radiography in this setting. This commentary aims to provide a summary of the study findings, accompanied by an overview of the practical considerations that arise in the use of digital radiographic surveillance in the South African mining industry. Through a clear understanding of the objectives of surveillance, use of quality and reference standards for hardware and software, and interpretation of digital images, avoidance of common pitfalls, and use of all the clinical and occupational health information on each miner, the contribution of surveillance to identification and control of silicosis and tuberculosis in the mining industry can be maximised

Health hazards related to Soba sewage treatment plant, Sudan

The aim of this study was to determine the health hazards acquired by the residents nearby Soba sewage treatment plant. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Soba locality, Khartoum, Sudan. An interviewer-administrated questionnaire was assigned to 462 residents of the area living in four geographically distributed squares around the sewage plant. The data was analyzed in SPSS; Cronbach's alpha reliability scale of measurement was used to check the internal validity of six variables related to the quality of life. A logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the health hazards and the quality of life. Among the 462 residents, difficulty in breathing (37.9%) and nausea (37.2) were the principal health hazards. Moreover, the residents had a satisfactory level of awareness (88.7%) about the health hazards. The utmost impact on the quality of life was psychological (97.2%). It was statistically correlated with the reported factors, which impacted the quality of life in the district as revealed by the Cronbach's alpha reliability test with absenteeism (P=0.026), disability (P=0.014), socialization (P=0.032) and death (P=0.016). A logistic regression analysis revealed chemical hazards had a statistically significant association (P<0.05) with quality of life of the residents of Soba district. The study strongly entails the fact that sewage treatment plants crave exceptional consideration from the concerned responsible authorities, together with the fact that the evolved health threats should be confronted with immense responsibility as soon as possible

Occupational hazards encountered by library personnel in universities in south-south, Nigeria

Occupational hazards affect personnel safety and health in the work environment. This study investigated the occupational hazards encountered among library personnel in two universities in South South Nigeria; Delta State University, Abraka and Niger Delta University, Ammasoma. 182 library personnel participated in the study. Simple percentages and mean were used to answer the research questions while t-test was used in analysing the hypotheses. Findings revealed that library personnel encounter occupational hazards in the process of performing their duties. There was no significant difference in report of occupational hazards encountered by male and female library personnel in the process of performing their duties. It was recommended that library personnel should be adequately remunerated because they encounter occupational hazards when rendering information services to members of the university community for teaching, learning and research work. Key Words: Occupational Hazards, Library Personnel, University Libraries, Occupational Safety.

Aluminium Monitoring in Occupational Health : a Mini Review

Aluminium (Al) is a commonly encountered metal that has proven deleterious health outcomes; including neurological; respiratory and other systemic effects. There is growing awareness of the need to identify workers who have an increased burden of Al in order to avoid further exposure and to institute remedial action as appropriate. This need requires accurate identification of such workers. This paper examines the metabolism of Al with the aim of suggesting effective biomonitoring methods

The prevalence of HIV in Pretoria's Medico-Legal Laboratory cases; RSA; in 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) amongst decedents admitted to the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory (MLL). The study was designed as a cross sectional study. It is not standard procedure for the pathologist to do a HIV test at autopsy. Post mortem (PM) blood samples were obtained from all bodies admitted to the Pretoria MLL during one month in 2009. Analysis of the blood samples was performed using standardised laboratory procedures. Two hundred and thirty-eight PM blood samples were collected. In 43 cases (17); the test results were invalid. Of the 195 valid test samples; 51 (26.2) were HIV-positive. The prevalence of HIV in this study was 15 higher than that reported in a similar study done 10 years previously

The prevalence of HIV in Pretoria's Medico-Legal Laboratory cases; RSA; in 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) amongst decedents admitted to the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory (MLL). The study was designed as a cross sectional study. It is not standard procedure for the pathologist to do a HIV test at autopsy. Post mortem (PM) blood samples were obtained from all bodies admitted to the Pretoria MLL during one month in 2009. Analysis of the blood samples was performed using standardised laboratory procedures. Two hundred and thirty-eight PM blood samples were collected. In 43 cases (17); the test results were invalid. Of the 195 valid test samples; 51 (26.2) were HIV-positive. The prevalence of HIV in this study was 15 higher than that reported in a similar study done 10 years previously

Assessing Lead Levels in Occupational Health : a Mini-Review

Lead is a well-established toxin that continues to pose a health risk. Blood lead levels (BLLs) and urinary chelatable lead are the tests of choice for assessing acute and chronic toxicity. We highlight some of the other tests available. As occupational exposure to lead is often accompanied by other toxic heavy metal exposure; measuring whole blood heavy metal levels should be considered for workers with chronically elevated BLLs

Occupational health and safety management systems - a review of practices in enterprises in Botswana

Unsafe working conditions create heavy burdens in workplaces and on the wellbeing of workers. Despite this; Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) to reduce accidents and diseases in workplaces remain inadequate in many countries; including Botswana. An exploratory cross-sectional study; using secondary data; was undertaken to establish OHSMS practices in various industrial sectors in Botswana. The results showed that a quarter (27.6) and about half of small and medium enterprises (SMEs); respectively; and just over half (60) of large enterprises; have existing OHSMS. Only 29.2 of enterprises had an OHS policy statement. The elements of OHSMS were not uniformly implemented across all enterprises; with SMEs faring poorly. However; 71.1 of enterprises reported provision of induction courses. OHSMS is not widely practiced in Botswana; raising concerns for worker wellbeing; particularly in SMEs. Further research is needed to identify gaps and the development of a coherent OHSMS for the country

Adoption of formal HIV and AIDS workplace policies: An analysis of industry sector variations

Addressing HIV and AIDS is the responsibility of many stakeholders including private sector companies. However; increasing evidence reveals that the majority of companies around the world are yet to acknowledge and respond to HIV and AIDS as a workplace issue. One factor that has been identified in the literature as playing a role in determining whether a company responds to HIV and AIDS; or not; is the industry/sector in which a company operates. This study therefore sought to empirically examine whether in the context of Malawi there were significant variations in the adoption of formal HIV and AIDS workplace policies based on the industry/sector in which a company was operating; as well as analyse the dynamics underlying such variations. Using survey data collected from 152 randomly selected private sector companies in Malawi; the results of this study revealed significant variations in the adoption of HIV and AIDS workplace policies among companies operating in various sectors. Companies in the service sector were leading the adoption compared to companies in other sectors such as the trading sector. Furthermore; the evidence from this study showed that differences in staff participation in the activities of HIV and AIDS institutions may explain the industry/ sector variations. These results provide an important avenue to scale up company responses to HIV and AIDS by intensifying staff participation in the activities of HIV and AIDS institutions. Such institutions appear to play a vital role of providing up to date HIVand AIDS-related information upon which companies are able to develop a business case for responding to the epidemic

Profile of institutional infrastructure for implementing universal precautions in primary health care facilities in Sokoto State, Nigeria: Implication for occupational safety

Background: The adoption of primary health care in Nigeria has led to the expansion of health care delivery frontiers especially at the rural level. At this level is the most critical health services delivery point, with an attendant increase in contact between primary health care providers and patients. There is however also a simultaneous increased exposure to occupational and related health risks and hazards. Methods: The objectives of this study were to assess the universal precaution profile of primary health care facilities and determine those factors that inform their prevailing safety status. Using a structured checklist, 23 representative primary health care facilities from the 23 local government areas in Sokoto State were randomly selected for the study, one from each of the local government areas. Results: The facilities were found to have poor universal precaution profile that could guarantee effective control of infection transmission and safety of their personnel. The facilities' mean score on measures and frameworks for ensuring the implementation of Universal Precautions was 53.12% ± 21.68% with only 56.52% scoring above 50%. Conclusion: Safety protocol and facilities for ensuring safe environment were inadequate and poorly developed. None of the facilities had full complement of facilities or resources for ensuring safety of working environment and for personnel's implementation of Universal Precautions. Policy for safety practice was poor, and post exposure intervention programmes for staff in event of accidental exposure grossly underdeveloped. Interventions to improve safety environment and creation of safe climate are essential to protect primary health care workers against occupational hazards

Impact des conditions de travail sur la sante des artisans miniers de la Ruashi (Republique democratique du Congo)

Objectif. Ce travail visait a mettre en evidence les impacts des conditions de travail sur la sante des artisans miniers de la mine de la Ruashi dans la Province du Katanga. Materiels et methodes. Nous avons procede a une etude transversale a visee etiologique de deux populations: mineurs (n=100) et etudiants (n=109). Les donnees de notre echantillon (n=209) ont ete recueillies sur base d'un questionnaire en vue d'une comparaison des symptomes de maladies. Les Odds ratios (OR) et leurs intervalles de confiance a 95ont ete estimes. Une analyse secondaire a permis de faire la comparaison entre les postes de travail des artisans miniers creuseurs (n=61) et non-creuseurs (n=39). Deux modeles de regression logistique ont ete utilises pour estimer les OR ajustes pour l'association activite professionnelle / poste de travail et les symptomes de maladie. Resultats. Par rapport aux etudiants; les artisans miniers ont des frequences elevees pour tous les symptomes. Les OR des troubles musculo-squelettiques etaient les plus eleves [douleurs dorsales (OR=36;5); douleurs des membres superieurs (OR=20;7); des membres inferieurs (OR=18;3)] et cela meme apres ajustement. Venaient ensuite les troubles respiratoires (OR=5;91) et les maux de tete (OR=5;34). Conclusion. Les frequences et cotes d'exposition elevees observees dans ce travail attestent de l'impact negatif des conditions de travail des artisans mineurs sur leur sante. Ces resultats devraient etre confrontes avec ceux d'autres etudes en sante au travail dans ce milieu