Factors Causing Ocular Injuries among Workers in Construction Industry in Malaysia

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: Safety establishments at the workplace play a vital part in preventing ocular injuries in construction industries. Ocular injuries worsens the quality of life of workers, leading to economic loss. The arising of ocular injuries at emergency departments trigger a public health concern in Malaysia. This study aimed to investigate the factors causing ocular injuries among construction workers in Selangor, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on construction workers in Klang Valley, Malaysia. A validated questionnaire evaluated factors consisting of environmental, behaviour and practice domains (α= 0.70 – 0.90) and Reichert Portable Slit Lamp assessed ocular injuries. Results: A total of 385 workers aged 18 to 65 years old completed the study. The prevalence of ocular injuries was 66.20% (n=255 eyes) which includes foreign body injuries (28.20%), subconjunctival haemorrhage (9.20%), corneal haze (4.75%), laceration (1.78%), corneal burn (1.18%) and traumatic cataract (0.29%). Environmental hazards such as dust 70.40% (n=271, p=0.00), chemical 75.80% ( n= 292, p=0.00), heat 68.10% (n=262, p=0.00), equipment 60.5% (n=233, p=0.00), fall 54.80% (n=211, p=0.00) and limited working space 52.70% (n=203, p=0.00) significantly contributed to the ocular injuries. However, behaviour and awareness did not contribute significantly to ocular injuries (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study shows high prevalence of ocular injuries among construction workers in Klang Valley. The main factors causing ocular injuries are environmental factors. Thus, safety assessments including usage of PPE, training and closed monitoring are required to improve the eye safety and health at the construction sites.