Occupational Hazards and Risks of Automobile Mechanics in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Elenwo E.I.

Department of Geography and Environmental Management, Faculty of Social Sciences University of Port Harcourt,P.M.B.5323, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Accepted March 12, 2018

This study examined the occupational hazards and risks of automobile mechanics in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State Nigeria. The method of study was cross sectional survey, data collection was by means of primary and secondary sources. A total of (400) mechanics were sampled. Taro Yamane’s formula was used to determine sample size. Analysis and interpretation was done using descriptive statistics and statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).From the study, about 57% of respondents had secondary education. More so, 75.4% are not aware that their job was a hazardous one. In the same vein, 73.9% were not aware that they were supposed to use personal protective equipment, but about 59.7% used one type of personnel protective equipment or the other. The health conditions reported included back pain (18%), (16%) burns, (15%) headaches and (13%) dizziness etc. Automobile mechanics need to be properly trained the use of protective equipment and encouraged to use them while working. Training could be acquired through adult literacy programmes, health education and skills acquisition programmes for the automobile mechanics. The study recommends enforcement and compliance to occupational health and safety rules by automobile mechanics so as to avoid the hazards and risks associated with their occupation.

Key words: Occupational, Hazards, Risks, Automobile-Mechanics, Port Harcourt.

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