A STUDY OF OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD SND SAFETY PRACTICES AMONG AUTOMOBILE MECHANICS IN ORLU URBAN, IMO STATE (2021-2025)
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A STUDY OF OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD SND SAFETY PRACTICES AMONG AUTOMOBILE MECHANICS IN ORLU URBAN, IMO STATE (2021-2025)
ABSTRACT
Automobile mechanics constitute an important segment of the informal workforce and are routinely exposed to various occupational hazards due to the nature of their work. These hazards include physical injuries, chemical exposure, ergonomic strain, noise pollution, and fire-related risks. Despite the increasing awareness of occupational health and safety issues, many automobile mechanics continue to work under unsafe conditions, thereby increasing their vulnerability to workplace accidents and health complications. The study was undertaken to assess the types of occupational hazards encountered by automobile mechanics, evaluate their level of awareness of workplace hazards, examine the safety practices adopted, and identify factors influencing compliance with safety measures.
A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The target population comprised registered automobile mechanics operating within Orlu Urban, Imo State. A sample of 200 respondents was selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Occupational Hazards and Safety Practices among Automobile Mechanics Questionnaire (OHSPAMQ). The instrument was validated by experts in public health and occupational safety, while its reliability was established through a pilot study. Data collected were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, and standard deviation.
The findings revealed that automobile mechanics in Orlu Urban were exposed to numerous occupational hazards, including cuts and wounds, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, inhalation of fumes, eye injuries, excessive noise, electric shocks, and musculoskeletal disorders. The study also found that although a majority of the respondents possessed moderate to high awareness of occupational hazards, compliance with recommended safety practices was not satisfactory. The use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety boots, goggles, face masks, and overalls was inconsistent among many mechanics. Factors identified as influencing poor safety practices included inadequate safety training, lack of enforcement of safety regulations, cost of protective equipment, low educational levels, and negligence.
The study concluded that occupational hazards remain a significant challenge among automobile mechanics in Orlu Urban despite the existence of basic safety awareness. It was recommended that government agencies, trade associations, and health professionals intensify occupational safety education, enforce workplace safety regulations, provide affordable protective equipment, and conduct regular health and safety inspections of mechanic workshops. These measures would help reduce workplace accidents, improve safety compliance, and promote the overall health and productivity of automobile mechanics.
Keywords: Occupational hazards, safety practices, automobile mechanics, workplace safety, personal protective equipment, occupational health, Orlu Urban, Imo State.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Occupational health and safety have become important concerns globally due to the increasing recognition of workplace hazards and their impact on workers’ health, productivity, and quality of life. Occupational hazards refer to risks and dangers that workers are exposed to during the course of their duties, which may result in injuries, illnesses, disabilities, or death (International Labour Organization [ILO], 2022). Every occupation presents unique hazards depending on the nature of the work environment, tools, materials, and work processes involved. Among the various occupational groups in the informal sector, automobile mechanics constitute one of the most vulnerable categories due to their frequent exposure to physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards.
Automobile mechanics play a critical role in maintaining and repairing vehicles, thereby contributing significantly to economic development and transportation services. Their daily activities involve diagnosing faults, dismantling vehicle components, repairing engines, welding, spray painting, battery servicing, and handling lubricants and chemicals. These activities expose them to numerous workplace hazards that may negatively affect their health and safety (Akinwale & Olusanya, 2021).
Occupational hazards among automobile mechanics can be classified into physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and mechanical hazards. Physical hazards include excessive noise, heat, vibration, and poor lighting conditions. Chemical hazards arise from exposure to fuels, solvents, paints, battery acids, lubricants, and exhaust fumes. Biological hazards may result from exposure to contaminated materials and poor sanitary conditions within workshops. Ergonomic hazards involve repetitive movements, awkward postures, and heavy lifting, which may lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Mechanical hazards include injuries from machinery, sharp tools, and moving vehicle parts (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023).
Studies have shown that automobile mechanics experience a high prevalence of occupational injuries and work-related illnesses due to inadequate compliance with safety measures. According to Ezejiofor et al. (2020), many mechanics in Nigeria suffer from cuts, burns, eye injuries, respiratory problems, skin disorders, and hearing impairments resulting from workplace exposures. Similarly, Nwankwo and Chukwuka (2021) observed that prolonged exposure to petroleum products and chemical substances may increase the risk of chronic health conditions among automobile workers.
Safety practices refer to precautionary measures adopted to prevent workplace accidents and reduce exposure to occupational hazards. These measures include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety boots, goggles, overalls, helmets, and face masks. Other safety practices include adherence to workplace regulations, proper handling of tools and chemicals, maintenance of clean work environments, and participation in occupational safety training programs (ILO, 2022).
Despite the importance of safety practices, many automobile mechanics in developing countries exhibit poor compliance with occupational safety guidelines. Several factors contribute to this situation, including inadequate safety awareness, limited access to protective equipment, low educational attainment, poor enforcement of occupational safety regulations, and financial constraints (Okafor & Ugwu, 2022). In many cases, mechanics prioritize productivity and income generation over workplace safety, thereby increasing their vulnerability to occupational injuries and illnesses.
In Nigeria, the informal sector employs a significant proportion of the workforce, including automobile mechanics. However, occupational health and safety services remain poorly developed within the informal economy. Unlike workers in formal organizations, automobile mechanics often operate in environments with limited regulatory oversight and inadequate health and safety infrastructure. Consequently, occupational accidents and work-related diseases are common among mechanics across various states of the federation (Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, 2022).
Orlu Urban in Imo State is one of the major commercial and industrial centers in southeastern Nigeria. The area hosts numerous automobile workshops where mechanics engage in vehicle repairs and maintenance services. Due to the growing number of vehicles and increasing demand for repair services, automobile mechanics in Orlu Urban face substantial occupational risks. Observations indicate that many workshops operate under conditions characterized by inadequate safety facilities, poor waste disposal practices, and inconsistent use of personal protective equipment.
Although several studies have examined occupational hazards among workers in Nigeria, limited empirical research has specifically focused on automobile mechanics in Orlu Urban, Imo State, particularly within the period of 2021–2025. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the occupational hazards encountered by automobile mechanics, assess their safety practices, and identify factors influencing compliance with occupational health and safety measures. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining occupational hazards and safety practices among automobile mechanics in Orlu Urban, Imo State.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Automobile mechanics are regularly exposed to hazardous working conditions that may adversely affect their health and safety. The nature of their work exposes them to injuries from sharp tools, burns from hot surfaces, chemical exposure from fuels and lubricants, inhalation of toxic fumes, excessive noise, and musculoskeletal strain from repetitive tasks. These occupational hazards can result in temporary or permanent disabilities, reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, and poor quality of life.
Despite the availability of various safety measures designed to protect workers, many automobile mechanics continue to experience occupational accidents and health problems. Reports indicate that the use of personal protective equipment among mechanics remains low, while compliance with occupational safety guidelines is often inadequate (Okeke & Nnamani, 2023). Consequently, workplace injuries and illnesses remain prevalent among automobile workers in Nigeria.
In Orlu Urban, automobile workshops are rapidly increasing due to growing transportation needs and economic activities. However, there is concern that many mechanics operate without adequate safety precautions. Observations suggest that some mechanics rarely use protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, safety boots, and face masks. Furthermore, workplace environments are often characterized by poor sanitation, unsafe storage of chemicals, and inadequate safety training.
Although previous studies have examined occupational hazards among artisans and industrial workers, limited attention has been given to automobile mechanics in Orlu Urban, Imo State. This lack of empirical data makes it difficult for policymakers, health practitioners, and trade associations to develop effective interventions aimed at improving occupational safety. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate occupational hazards and safety practices among automobile mechanics in Orlu Urban, Imo State, from 2021 to 2025.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to examine occupational hazards and safety practices among automobile mechanics in Orlu Urban, Imo State.
The specific objectives are to:
Identify the occupational hazards encountered by automobile mechanics in Orlu Urban.
Determine the level of awareness of occupational hazards among automobile mechanics.
Examine the safety practices adopted by automobile mechanics.
Assess the extent of compliance with the use of personal protective equipment.
Identify factors influencing safety practices among automobile mechanics.
1.4 Research Questions
The following research questions will guide the study:
What occupational hazards are encountered by automobile mechanics in Orlu Urban?
What is the level of awareness of occupational hazards among automobile mechanics?
What safety practices are adopted by automobile mechanics?
To what extent do automobile mechanics comply with the use of personal protective equipment?
What factors influence safety practices among automobile mechanics?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
The following hypotheses will be tested at a 0.05 level of significance:
Hypothesis One
There is no significant relationship between awareness of occupational hazards and safety practices among automobile mechanics in Orlu Urban.
Hypothesis Two
There is no significant relationship between the availability of personal protective equipment and compliance with safety practices among automobile mechanics.
Hypothesis Three
There is no significant relationship between occupational safety training and the adoption of safety practices among automobile mechanics.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The findings of this study will be beneficial to automobile mechanics, government agencies, health professionals, trade associations, researchers, and policymakers.
The study will help automobile mechanics understand the occupational hazards associated with their profession and encourage greater adherence to safety measures. It will also provide information that can assist government agencies in designing policies and programs aimed at improving occupational health and safety within the informal sector.
Health professionals will benefit from the study through increased knowledge of occupational health challenges facing automobile mechanics, which can aid in planning preventive and intervention strategies. Trade associations will utilize the findings to organize safety awareness campaigns and training programs for their members.
Furthermore, the study will contribute to existing literature on occupational health and safety and serve as a reference material for future researchers interested in workplace safety and occupational hazards.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study focuses on occupational hazards and safety practices among automobile mechanics in Orlu Urban, Imo State. The study covers the period from 2021 to 2025.
The content scope includes occupational hazards, hazard awareness, safety practices, use of personal protective equipment, and factors influencing compliance with occupational safety measures. The geographical scope is limited to automobile workshops located within Orlu Urban, Imo State.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Occupational Hazard
Any workplace condition, substance, or activity that poses a risk of injury, illness, or harm to workers.
Safety Practices
Actions and measures adopted to prevent workplace accidents and reduce exposure to occupational hazards.
Automobile Mechanic
A skilled worker engaged in the maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of motor vehicles.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Protective devices such as gloves, goggles, helmets, safety boots, overalls, and face masks used to minimize workplace hazards.
Occupational Health
The promotion and maintenance of the physical, mental, and social well-being of workers in all occupations.
Compliance
The degree to which workers adhere to established occupational health and safety regulations and practices.
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