Title: Occupational Health Hazard and Safety Measures Among Aluminum Smelters in Saki, Oyo State: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Moses Babatunde OKE, Issa Akinola BABATUNDE, Olufemi FALUYI, Dennis Isha OKORO, Lateef Owolabi MUDASHIRU
Volume: 9
Issue: 10
Pages: 85-92
Publication Date: 2025/10/28
Abstract:
Aluminum is widely used in the production of cookware due to its exceptional malleability, high thermal conductivity, lightweight properties, durability, affordability, and widespread availability. These characteristics make it economically advantageous for artisanal aluminum cookware manufacturers. This study investigated occupational health hazards and safety practices among aluminum smelters in the Saki East and Saki West Local Government Areas of Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 225 artisanal aluminum cookware workers participated by completing structured questionnaires, which collected data on their work history and health-related hazards. Heart Rate (HR) was measured every 10 minutes using a digital stethoscope (3M(tm) Littmann(r) CORE). Simultaneously, Core Body Temperature (CBT) was recorded hourly using an electronic digital thermometer (4000 Series, range: 31.6-42.2 °C) over an eight-hour work period. The analysis of the data revealed that the majority of participants were male. Heat strain was the most frequently reported symptom, affecting 23% (59) of respondents, followed by muscle cramps (18%, 45 respondents) and racing heartbeat or palpitations (14%, 36 respondents). Outdoor temperatures ranged from 101 to 108 °F, while average body temperatures varied between 89 and 99 °F, with a mean of 83.57 ± 0.12 and a standard deviation of 7.5469. Awareness of occupational hazards varied among respondents: 168 (65.9%) were aware of health risks, while 87 (34.1%) were not. In terms of knowledge levels, 36 (27.3%) had a good understanding of hazards and safety measures, 64 (48.5%) had fair knowledge, and 32 (24.2%) had poor knowledge. The study concludes that interventions by regulatory agencies are essential for improving the workplace conditions, health, and safety of artisanal aluminum cookware workers.