Awareness of Occupational Health and Safety Practices Among Tailors in Enugu Urban Markets

This study investigates the awareness of occupational health and safety practices among tailors operating in urban markets in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. Tailoring involves exposure to occupational hazards including needle injuries, prolonged postural strain, dust inhalation from fabrics, and noise pollution from sewing machines, yet awareness of protective practices remains limited. The study employs a descriptive survey design, targeting 200 tailors in Ogbete Main Market and New Market Enugu, recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Objectives include assessing tailors' awareness of occupational hazards specific to garment production, determining their adoption of protective measures, and examining the influence of educational background on hazard awareness. Recent literature on informal sector workers in Nigeria documents low occupational health literacy and near-absent use of personal protective equipment among tailors. Data were analysed using frequency tables, mean scores, and chi-square. The Health Belief Model anchors the study, linking hazard awareness to protective behaviour adoption. Findings are anticipated to reveal low awareness of key occupational hazards and minimal protective behaviour compliance. Recommendations target the Enugu State Ministry of Labour, trade associations, and Home Economics departments to design targeted occupational health literacy programmes for informal garment sector workers. Keywords: occupational health, tailors, safety practices, informal sector, Enugu State.