Occupational Health Hazards and Safety Practices Among Market Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State

Informal market trading is a dominant livelihood activity in South East Nigeria, yet the occupational health risks faced by traders in densely populated markets such as Onitsha Main Market remain largely undocumented and unaddressed. This study investigates the occupational health hazards encountered by market traders and assesses their adherence to basic safety practices in Onitsha, Anambra State. A cross-sectional survey design is applied, with 290 traders selected through stratified random sampling across five trading zones of the market. The structured questionnaire captures data on exposure to noise, dust, lifting injuries, chemical hazards, and thermal stress, alongside traders' knowledge of occupational health risks and use of personal protective equipment. Data are analysed with SPSS, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Literature from the International Labour Organisation and Nigerian occupational health surveys suggests that informal workers are disproportionately exposed to health hazards with minimal regulatory oversight or protective interventions. The Hazard-Risk-Exposure framework guides the conceptual analysis of occupational health vulnerabilities in this context. Findings will document the prevalence of specific hazards and the adequacy of traders' protective practices, informing Anambra State Ministry of Labour and market management committees on targeted occupational health programmes. The study supports the operationalisation of Nigeria's National Occupational Safety and Health Policy in informal sector settings. Keywords: occupational health hazards, safety practices, market traders, Onitsha, Anambra State.