Utilization of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) among Wood Factory Workers in Calabar Municipality, Southern Nigeria

A descriptive cross-sectional study was employed to determine the utilization of PPE among wood factory workers in Calabar municipality, Southern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 400 workers from two timber markets (Akim and Eight-Miles timber markets). A structured questionnaire was designed to generate quantitative data from the respondents. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0 and results were presented in tables and charts. The results of this study showed that ages of study participants ranges from 15-60 years with those between 45-49 years 111 (27.8 %) constituting majority of the study participants. Most respondents were males 363 (90.7 %), married 261 (56.2 %), Christians 397 (99.2 %) and had primary education 188 (47.0 %). A larger proportion of the respondents 316 (79.0 %) reported that PPE was available, while 273 (86.4 %) said they had use PPE at their workplace. PPE mostly used were hand gloves (33.4 %) and safety boots (32.5 %). Reasons given by respondents for non-adherence to PPE use were PPE not adequate, PPE not necessary and inconvenience. All respondents indicated that they need training on the use of PPE. Intensifying awareness on the health implications of inhaling wood dust would increase the uptake of PPE use among wood factory workers.