Factors Influencing Eye Injuries among Welders in Accra

Abstract

Introduction Eye injuries are one of the most common work-related injuries among certain occupations, including welders. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with eye injuries among welders in Accra. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted among welders in Accra. Proportionate and systematic sampling was used to select 382 eligible welders from two welding sites in Accra Metropolis. Data was collected using a pretested questionnaire. The questionnaire was used to collect data on background information, history of eyes injuries, the use of eye personal protective equipment and factors influencing eye injuries. Microsoft Excel 2016 was used for data entry and STATA version IC 15.0 for Windows was used for analysis. Means and standard deviations were determined for continuous variables. Pearson chi-square test was used to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the strength of association of factors associated with eye injuries. Reported p-values in this study were two-sided with significance levels < 0.05. Results Out of the 382 welders, 59.7% engage in electric/arc welding and 40.3% in gas welding. The prevalence of eye injuries was 47.9% with 33.3% of welders using eye personal protective equipment. Factors associated with eye injuries were engaging in gas welding (AOR=0.07; 95% CI: 0.03-0.15; p<0.001), higher monthly income (AOR=5.26; 95% CI: 1.72-16.09; p=0.004), non-use of eye PPE while working (AOR=1.86; 95% CI: 1.02-3.43; p=0.042) and no training on the use of eye personal protective equipment (AOR=2.17; 95% CI: 1.07-4.38; p=0.030). Conclusion Almost half of the welders have had a welding-related eye injury before. Majority of welders use electric welding in their activities. Those who use electric welding are more prone to eye injuries, as compared with those who use gas welding. Usage of eye PPEs is relatively low among welders for a variety of reasons, including the fact that usage of eye PPEs is not mandatory. The study found that the welders who do not use eye PPEs have a higher risk of eye injuries. Welders with monthly income above GHS1,000 had higher risk of eye injuries.