Occupational Health Risks Among Abattoir Workers in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory

This study assesses the occupational health risks faced by workers in registered abattoirs in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, located in Nigeria's North Central geopolitical zone. Abattoir workers are occupationally exposed to a wide range of biological, chemical, physical, and ergonomic hazards, including zoonotic pathogens, sharp instrument injuries, lifting injuries, and chemical disinfectant exposure, yet occupational health monitoring for this workforce in Nigeria is minimal. Using a professional occupational health assessment design, 120 abattoir workers from three registered facilities in Abuja were enrolled. Health histories, self-reported injury and illness records, physical examinations, and biological samples were collected. Blood samples were tested for brucellosis, Q fever, hepatitis E, and Coxiella burnetii antibodies. Structured interviews assessed personal protective equipment use, workplace safety training, and occupational health service access. Findings revealed serological evidence of brucellosis in 12 percent, hepatitis E in 24 percent, and Q fever in 9 percent of workers. Sharp instrument injuries had been sustained by 68 percent of workers in the preceding 12 months, with personal protective equipment used inconsistently or not at all by the majority. Only 15 percent of workers had received any occupational health and safety training. The study recommends mandatory occupational health screening, hepatitis B vaccination programmes, PPE provision and enforcement, and a formal occupational health service contract for all abattoir facilities in the FCT. Keywords: occupational health, abattoir workers, Abuja, zoonosis, biosafety.