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Previous Issues Volume 1, Issue 2 - 2016
Ocular Morbidity Among Sawmill Workers in the Kumasi Metropolis
Emmanuel Boateng Baafi1,Clement Afari1,David Ben Kumah1,Benjamin Brifa Bempong1,Eugene Appenteng Osae1
1Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
Corresponding Author: Emmanuel Boateng Baafi, Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana,
Tel: +233547494802; E-Mail: [email protected]
Received Date: 11 Aug 2016
Accepted Date: 07 Sep 2016
Published Date: 09 Sep 2016
Copyright© 2016 Baafi EB
Citation:Baafi EB, Afari C, Kumah DB, Bempong BB, et al. (2016). Ocular Morbidity Among Sawmill Workers in the Ku- masi Metropolis. Mathews J Ophthalmol. 1(2): 006
ABSTRACT
This study sought to determine ocular morbidity and the risk associations in the activities of sawmill workers within the Kumasi Metropolis. A descriptive cross-sectional study was used to collect data on eye health and safety of 115 participants within the sawmill industry, with the aid of pretested questionnaire. Eye examination was conducted with a Welch-Allyn Finoff Transilluminator used together with an ophthalmic loupe, and an ophthalmoscope. Eight (8) of the 115 study participants recruited were females (7%) giving a female to male ratio of 1:13. Workers’ ages ranged between 18-70 years; mean age of 37.28±13.39 years. The workers were grouped as Administrative (7%) and Technical (93%). The prevalence of eye injuries was determined by proportion to be 42.6%, with prevalence of 0.9% and 41.7% (p > 0.05) respectively among administrative and technical staff. Protective eyewear was not used by 87 (75.7%) workers. Eyewear unavailability due to non-supply by employers was the commonest reason (70.14%) ascribed by workers for non-use of protective eyewear. There is compelling evidence of work-related ocular hazards and non-adherence to eye safety in the sawmill industry in the Kumasi Metropolis. This could be curtailed if adequate eye health and safety measures at work are properly enforced.
Ocular Morbidity; Sawmill; Work-Related Eye Injuries; Protective Eyewear.
