Work related injuries and associated risk factors among iron and steel industries workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract Objective To assess the prevalence of work related injuries and associated risk factors among production workers in iron and steel industries in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods Institution based cross-sectional study design was used from August to September, 2010. Four iron and steel industries were first stratified into three sections and a total of 453 production workers were selected by simple random sampling. Data was collected by face to face interview using pre-tested and structured questionnaire, review of records and by check lists. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16 and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify the associated risk factors of injuries. Results The injury prevalence rate was 33.3% per year and most common causes of injury were splitting and flying objects (16.4%), hit by falling objects (13.7%) and machinery (12.6%). Workers were exposed to preventable workplace hazards such as to excessive noise, fumes and dusts and to old and unguarded machines, splitting materials and sparking of metals. Workers consuming alcohol during working days, without spouse, perceiving their work highly stressful and not using personal protective equipment (PPE) were more likely to be injured than their counterpart. Conclusions Work-related injuries were high among iron and steel industries workers. Work stress, non use of PPE, consuming alcohol during working days, and excessive noise were observed as modifiable risk factors. Therefore, creating awareness by providing training about risk factors, providing PPE and establishments of safety programs in industries can reduce and prevent workplace injuries.