Occupational Health Problems Associated with Traditional Cloth Weaving in Ilorin, Nigeria.

Abstract

A study of the health hazards that traditional cloth weavers encounter at the workplace was carried out over a three-week period in Ilorin, Nigeria. All the registered members of the Association whose workplace could be identified were included in the study. The questionnaires were administered as interview schedule by four doctors who had previously been trained in questionnaire administration. One hundred and fifteen of the 124 questionnaires administered were found suitable for analysis.


Musculo-skeletal disorders accounted for 62.0% of all illnesses recorded. Causes of musculo-skeletal disorders identified included overwork, long duration of working, lack of backrest on the seats for workers, ignorance about hazards associated with the occupation, and lack of knowledge about ergonomic principles.


It is recommended that the level of awareness of these workers be improved through enlightenment campaigns. Also, design of seats with backrest for the workers will go a long way in reducing most of the identified hazards.


KEYWORDS: Traditional-cloth-weavers, Hazards, Prevention, Ergonomics, Enlightenment.


Sahel Med. J. Vol.6(1) 2003: 6-9