Predictors of work-related eye injuries among stone quarry workers in the Ashanti Region of Ghana: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: The occurrence of eye issues among quarry workers in southern Ghana is significant, with 58% reporting irritation and 9.4% experiencing quarry-related eye problems. This study assessed factors associated with work-related eye injuries among stone quarry workers in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among stone quarry workers in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on workers’ socio-demographic factors, occupational factors, lifestyle factors and history of work-related accidental eye injuries. Data was summarized into frequencies, means and odds ratio calculated at 95% CI using STATA. Results: Three hundred and seventy-five stone quarry workers took part in the study with 73 (19.5%) reporting at least one incidence of work-related eye injury. The mean age of the participants was 36.4 ± 11.3 years. Majority of participants 359 (95.7%) were males. Working for more than 8 hours (aOR=4.98, 95%CI: 1.25-19.76), being a smoker (aOR=4.59, 95%CI: 1.39–15.17) and alcohol consumption (aOR=2.15, 95%CI: 1.01-4.55) were associated with increased odds of eye injuries. Using Personal Protective Eye Devices (PPEDs) (aOR=0.07, 95%CI: 0.02-0.27) and education on PPEDs (aOR=0.05, 95%CI: 0.01-0.23) were associated with decreased odds of eye injuries among the workers. Conclusion: This study identifies extended working hours, smoking during course of work, and alcohol consumption as significant risk factors for work-related eye injuries among stone quarry workers. It also emphasizes the importance of implementing and promoting PPEDs use and providing education on their proper usage to mitigate the risk of such injuries.

Keywords

• quarry worker
• prevalence
• risk factors
• eye injury
• occupational health