Citation

Izudi J, Ninsiima V, Alege JB. J. Environ. Public Health 2017; 2017: e7930589.

Affiliation

Institute of Public Health and Management, International Health Sciences University, Kampala, Uganda.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Hindawi Publishing)

DOI

10.1155/2017/7930589

PMID

29201064

PMCID

PMC5672632

Abstract

BACKGROUND: 270 million workplace accidents occur annually. In Uganda, Kampala district has the highest workplace injury and fatality rates. However, information on personal protective equipment (PPE)-hand gloves, hardhats, overalls, safety boots, earplugs, safety harness with lanyard, and face shields-utilization among building construction workers remains scarce. We assessed PPE utilization and determinants among building construction workers in Kampala, Uganda.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 385 respondents. Data collected by structured questionnaire was double-entered in EpiData and analyzed in STATA at 5% significance level. Independent determinants of PPE use were established by a stepwise backward logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: 305 (79.2%) respondents were males, 290 (75.3%) were 18-30 years, 285 (74.0%) completed secondary education, and 197 (51.2%) were temporary employees. 60 (15.6%) respondents used PPE. Female sex (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 6.64; 95% CI: 1.55-28.46; P = 0.011), temporary (AOR = 0.05; 95% CI: 0.01-0.27; P < 0.001) and casual (AOR = 0.01; 95% CI: 0.001-0.071; P < 0.001) employment, and previous knowledge of safety measures (AOR = 100.72; 95% CI: 26.00-390.16; P < 0.001) were associated with PPE use.

CONCLUSION: PPE use was low in Kampala, Uganda. Building construction companies should implement measures of the Uganda Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Language: en