Awareness of Occupational Health Hazards and related problems Among Welders in Sharkia Governorate

Salah, Heba Galal; Ali, Salwa Abbas; Mahmoud, Samia Farouk

doi:10.21608/znj.2023.326637

Awareness of Occupational Health Hazards and related problems Among Welders in Sharkia Governorate

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Demonstrator of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University

² Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University

³ Assistant Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University, Egypt.

10.21608/znj.2023.326637

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Occupational hazards are a globally major cause of disability and mortality among working population. Welding is industrial process in which welders are exposed to many hazards and problems during their welding process. Aim of the study: was to assess awareness of occupational health hazards and related problems among welders in Sharkia Governorate. Subjects & Methods: Research Design: A descriptive cross- sectional design was used. Setting: This study carried out at Al’Ashir Min Ramadan City in Sharkia Governorate. Subject: One hundred welders were selected from nine steel industries. Tools of data collection tools: Two tools were an interviewing questionnaire to assess demographic characteristics, work related data, occupational health hazard and problems, and awareness about various occupational hazard and related problems. Results: The highest hazardous exposures and related its problems was physical (100%) followed by mechanical (99% & 98%) respectively, chemical (92%), and psychological (81%). Moreover, overall exposure to hazards and related problems was (74% & 76%) respectively. Additionally, 47% of welders had high awareness of occupational hazards and related problems. Conclusion: All studied welders exposed to occupational health hazards and related problems. As well, overall exposure to hazards was high among less than three quarters of study sample. While, the total problems due to exposures was high among more than three quarters of study sample. Furthermore, less than half of welders had high awareness. Recommendations: Heath Education and training programs should be carried out regularly for educating welders about occupational health hazards and related problems, and further studies in other steel industries to detect magnitude of occupational health hazards and related problems.

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