Determinants of Occupational Injury in Kombolcha Textile Factory, North-East Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Textile factory is among the most common manufacturing industries that has higher rate of work-related injuries. Knowing the associated factors of work-related injuries can be a critical step for improving the working condition of workers in the sector. OBJECTIVE: To assess the major determinants of occupational injury among workers in Kombolcha textile factory, North-East Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to 15, 2013 on 455 randomly selected workers after stratification by working departments. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire through face-to-face interview by data collectors of 6 occupational health experts and 6 nurses. RESULTS: Working >48 hrs/wk (aOR: 2.71, 95% CI: 1.18–6.24), handling objects >20 kg (aOR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.24–4.45), visual concentration (aOR: 3.10, 95% CI: 1.42–6.75), timely maintenance of machine (aOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.11–2.93), and sleep disorder (aOR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.47–5.92) were significant factors for the occurrence of occupational injuries. CONCLUSION: Many factors including working for a long time with accurate instruments and sleep disorders can cause occupational injury in textile industries.