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| Identification and Assessment of Chemical Safety Measures for Hazardous Chemicals in Small Businesses
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Ayilara S.I., Salami U.V., Okibe P.O.,AnyimP.B., Lakanse R.G., Christopher P.O., Abdul R.O., Ochigbo-Ejembi,M. O.,Enyi O.E.
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Abstract:
Occupational health and safety researchers have found that workers are exposed to different types of hazards including chemical hazards due to trade processes involved in their work. The study aimed to identify and assess the problem of non-adherence to chemical safety measures in handling hazardous chemicals in small businesses which results to health problems for the workers and environmental contamination. A purposive statistical study was conducted involving 125 respondents randomly from small-scale chemical businesses in about fifteen locations within Abuja (Nigeria) and its environs. A structured questionnaire was used to gather detailed information about their knowledge and dealings with hazardous chemical substances in their work environment. The data collected from the respondents were analyzed with SPSS and STATA statistical software using charts and tables as descriptive tools. Of the 125 respondents interviewed, 93.65% of them knew chemical safety measures; of these, 96.83% agreed to practice these procedures, which majorly involved the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) (44.20%), (mostly face masks and hand gloves) and safety posters (40.00%); 84.00% had undergone requisite training on chemical safety measures; however, only 56.91% of them had policies on chemical handling. Inspection and supervision were the highest (60.00%) means of monitoring worker's adherence to the chemical safety measures the enterprise put in place while suspension and query (21.8%) were the ways of enforcing compliance with safety procedures. For disposal of hazardous wastes, 36.67% disposed of theirs via waste management companies but 55.83% disposed of theirs incorrectly; in public waste bins, bushes, drainage canals, septic tanks, and by burial or burning. It was concluded that most organizations are aware of health hazards and are showing more adherence to preventive measures. The study recommends continuous sensitization and monitoring of these small-scale chemical businesses by government officials and regulatory bodies to enforce safety measures in chemical handling and waste disposal.
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