Management of Occupational Hazards in Abattoir Operations in Sokoto State

Abattoir workers operate in environments characterized by a complex array of biological, chemical, and physical hazards that are inadequately managed in many Nigerian cities. This study evaluated the management of occupational hazards in abattoir operations across three major abattoirs in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. An evaluative cross-sectional design was employed, with 45 abattoir workers and supervisors participating in structured questionnaire interviews, and workplace hazard assessments conducted using standardized checklists. Biological hazards, including zoonotic disease agents and bloodborne pathogens, were identified as the highest-priority risk category based on frequency and severity scoring. Brucellosis suspicion symptoms were reported by 38 percent of workers, and hepatitis B vaccination coverage was only 17.8 percent. Physical hazards including knife injuries and slipping incidents were reported by 61.1 percent of respondents. Chemical hazards from disinfectants and ammonia refrigerants were managed with no protective protocols in 88.9 percent of assessed areas. Hazard management plans were absent in all three abattoirs. Sanitation conditions were rated as critically inadequate, with open waste channels and non-functional drainage observed across sites. The study recommends the development of an abattoir-specific occupational health management framework for Sokoto State, compulsory vaccination programs, provision of appropriate PPE, and engagement of state environmental health and labor inspectors for periodic compliance audits. Keywords: abattoir hazards, zoonotic disease, biological safety, occupational health management, Sokoto State.