Work-Related Injuries among Slaughterhouse Workers in Nairobi City County, Kenya
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Date
2021-06
Authors
Mogute, Jane Riechi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Workplace injuries are no longer accidents; they are preventable. Increased meat
consumption demand in developed countries means production of meat and meat
products is poised to significantly increase. Working conditions in the slaughterhouse
industry are of public health concern across the globe as it affects majority of
slaughterhouse workers. The Slaughterhouse Industry being risky, requires
enhancement of its workers‘ safety and health as they are regularly exposed to unsafe
situations. This study therefore sought to establish work-related injuries among
slaughterhouse workers in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study specifically
focused on socio-demographic factors, prevalence of work related injuries, individual
factors and attitude on work safety among respondents. The study adopted a cross sectional descriptive study design in 3 export slaughterhouses, 2 local category B
slaughterhouses, 6 local category C slaughterhouses and 3 meat processing plants in
Nairobi city county, Kenya. Latitude 0f 1170S and the longitude of 36490E with a
total size of 696 sq. Kilometres with a population of 4,397,073 people (KNBS 2019).
Clearance to conduct the study was obtained from Kenyatta University graduate
school, Kenyatta University Ethical Review Committee, National Commission for
Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) and County director of Vetenary
Services (CDVS) Nairobi City County. Quantitative and qualitative data collection
methods were used. Quantitative data was collected using semi-structured
questionnaire administered by trained research assistants. Qualitative data collection
utilized key informant interview guides and focused group discussion schedules. The
study targeted a sample size of 291 slaughterhouse workers out of 846
slaughterhouse workers who were randomly selected from 11 slaughterhouses in
Nairobi City County and interviewed. Three focused group discussions were held
and 22 key informants interviewed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version
22.0 was used to analyze quantitative data. Descriptive statistics were used to present
quantitative data in form of frequency tables, percentages, pie charts and bar graphs.
Qualitative data from focused group discussion sessions and key informants were
triangulated with quantitative data as direct quotes or narrations from respondents.
Inferential statistics were done using Chi Square tests to determine the association
between study variables at 95% confidence interval (p<0.05). The results revealed
that the prevalence of work related among slaughterhouse workers in Nairobi City
County was 36.2%. The common cause of work related injuries were slips and fall.
Wounds or superficial injuries were the most reported injuries. Majority of socio demographic factors such as age (p=0.045), income (p=0.027) and highest level of
education (p=0.024) were significantly associated with occurrence of work related
injuries. Most of the individual factors such as work experience (p=0.007), awareness
(p=0.002), training (0.026), motivation on work safety (p=0.001) and willingness to
use personal protective equipment were significantly associated with work related
injuries. 55.6% of respondents had negative attitude on adherence to work safety.
The level of attitude (p=0.014) was significantly associated with occurrence of work
related injuries. The study concludes that the prevalence of work related injuries was
36.2% among slaughterhouse workers in Nairobi City County. Majority of socio demographic factors influenced occurrence of work related injuries which were: Age,
Income and level of education. Most individual factors played a key role towards
occurrence of work related injuries which included: Work experience, Awareness, xv
Training on work safety, Motivation and willingness to use PPES. Also categories of
slaughterhouses was linked with level of compliance to OSHA, 2007. There were
negative attitude towards adherence on work safety among respondents. These
findings shall inform the County government of Nairobi together with management
of slaughterhouses to enforce adherence to the policies on sensitization of work place
safety, fostering attitude change through; trainings, motivation, self-awareness and
use of appropriate personal protective equipment among slaughterhouse workers and
circulation of constant reminders to reduce prevalence of work related injuries. This
will ensure prevention of work related risks which may lead to ever rising cases of
injuries. The study recommends that the income earned by slaughterhouse workers
should be reviewed for better payment to avoid rushes at work so as to reduce high
employee turnout associated with hiring of inexperienced individuals.
Slaughterhouses should innovate injury mitigation measures such as; rewarding
workers that promote safety in the slaughterhouse environment, training of workers
and mentoring inexperienced employees.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science (Occupational Safety and Health) in the School of Public Health and Applied Human Sciences of Kenyatta University,June 2021.
Keywords
Work-Related, Injuries, Slaughterhouse, Workers