Getasew Yirdaw, Gashaw Melkie Bayeh, Asaye Alamneh Gebeyehu, Anley Shiferaw Enawgaw, Amare Genetu Ejigu, Chalachew Yenew, Tilahun Degu Tsega, Abathun Temesgen, Zeamanuel Anteneh Yigzaw, Ahmed Fentaw Ahmed, Almaw Genet Yeshiwas, Rahel Mulatie Anteneh, Sintayehu Simie Tsega, Habitamu Mekonen, Berhanu Abebaw Mekonnen, Meron Asmamaw Alemayehu, Abebaw Molla Kebede, Zufan Alamrie Asmare
To reduce ocular injuries, the study recommends providing health and safety training, strengthening workplace supervision, promoting consistent use of eye safety device, and raising awareness of welding-related eye hazards.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Welding activities expose workers to ultraviolet radiation, high temperatures, and airborne particles, making ocular injuries one of the most common occupational health problems in this profession. These injuries may result in temporary or permanent visual impairment, negatively affecting workers' productivity and quality of life. Identifying the burden of ocular injuries and their contributing factors is essential for designing effective preventive interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of work-related ocular injuries and identify associated determinants among small-scale welders in Debre Markos town, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2023.
METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional survey was carried out among 414 welders in Debre Markos town from September 10 to 30, 2023. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were gathered through a structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. The dataset was entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with ocular injuries. Variables with statistical significance in the multivariable model were reported using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS: The results showed that 46.7% of the 414 welders experienced ocular injuries. The mean age of participants was 27 ± 4.9 years, and 76.6% were male. While 81.4% of participants had access to eye protective devices, only 71.5% used eye protective devices. Significant factors associated with ocular injury included working as an arc welder (AOR = 4.96, 95% CI: 2.05-9.74), workplace supervision (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.97-6.51), lack of health and safety training (AOR = 6.43, 95% CI: 3.02-9.46), not using protective eyewear (AOR = 3.79, 95% CI: 2.44-9.29), and low awareness of ocular injury risks (AOR = 4.03, 95% CI: 2.11-9.43).
CONCLUSION: To reduce ocular injuries, the study recommends providing health and safety training, strengthening workplace supervision, promoting consistent use of eye safety device, and raising awareness of welding-related eye hazards.