Correlates of Stone Quarry Workers' Awareness of Work-related Ocular Health Hazards and Utilization of Protective Eye Devices: Findings in Southeastern Nigeria

OBJECTIVE: To assess the awareness of work-related ocular health hazards and utilization of personal protective eye devices (PPEDs) among stone quarry workers in Abakaliki, southeastern Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey of stone quarry industry workers in Abakiliki, conducted between March and April, 2012, data on participants' socio-demographics, job characteristics, PPED awareness, and utilization were collected. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed. For intergroup comparisons, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: All workers were aware of the need for utilization of eye protective devices; however, 98.7% declined its use for various reasons. About 74.6% attributed nonutilization to nonavailability while 10.4% attributed it to high cost and 10.2% declined its utilization due to discomfort associated with its use. DISCUSSION: Usage of PPEDs was associated with job specification, educational level, duration of work experience, awareness of work hazards, and knowledge about the purpose of PPEDs. Nonusage was associated with unavailability, high cost of procurement, and ocular discomfort from poor fitting and misty/cloudy vision with use. Users were more numerous among blasters and crushers whose jobs were most predisposed to work related accidents and workers with formal education. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from the study reveal high level of awareness yet nonutilization of eye protection. Barriers to the utilization of these eye protective devices should be addressed to ensure greater compliance of its use.