Assessment of Workplace Eye Safety Programs at Manufacturing Companies in Kogi State

Manufacturing environments expose workers to significant occupational eye hazards including dust particles, chemical splashes, high-intensity radiation, and flying metallic debris. Workplace eye safety programs are a critical occupational health intervention, yet their implementation in Nigerian industrial settings remains poorly documented. This study assesses the quality and implementation of workplace eye safety programs at registered manufacturing companies in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design will be employed, targeting 10 manufacturing establishments in Lokoja and Ajaokuta. Document reviews will examine written eye safety policies, training records, incident logs, and availability of personal protective equipment. Structured interviews with safety officers and line managers will capture program strengths and limitations. Eye examinations will be offered to a sample of 200 workers to assess current ocular health status. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study anticipates that most facilities will lack structured eye safety programs, with limited provision of UV and impact-resistant eyewear. Findings will be shared with the Kogi State Ministry of Industry and the Factory Inspectorate Division to advocate for regulatory enforcement of occupational eye protection standards. This research fills an important gap in occupational optometry evidence for Nigeria's industrial North Central zone and provides a model for evaluating eye safety program effectiveness in manufacturing settings. Keywords: workplace eye safety, manufacturing, Kogi State, occupational hazards, personal protective equipment