Investigation of Occupational Health Hazards and Safety Practices Among Quarry Workers in Kogi State

Quarry workers in Nigeria are exposed to multiple occupational hazards including silica dust, excessive noise, vibration, and traumatic injury risks, often without adequate personal protective equipment or employer safety provisions. This study investigated occupational health hazards and safety practices among quarry workers in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at three quarry sites in Lokoja LGA, enrolling 180 quarry workers through census sampling. A structured questionnaire assessed duration of employment, knowledge of occupational hazards, personal protective equipment use, history of occupational injuries, employer safety provisions, and respiratory symptoms. Workplace environmental assessment was conducted using structured observation checklists. Results showed that 67.8 percent of workers did not regularly use any PPE despite 71.1 percent demonstrating awareness of occupational hazards. Respiratory symptoms (cough, dyspnoea) were reported by 53.3 percent of workers with more than five years of employment. Traumatic injuries in the preceding six months were reported by 41.7 percent. Employer-provided PPE was available at only one of three sites. Significant predictors of PPE non-use included cost (52.2 percent), discomfort (45.6 percent), and perceived low risk by workers (38.9 percent). The study concludes that occupational safety standards in Kogi quarry operations are critically inadequate and recommends mandatory PPE provision, regulatory enforcement by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, and periodic respiratory health screening for quarry workers.

Keywords: occupational health hazards, quarry workers, personal protective equipment, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria