Personal and work related factors infl uencing exposed handling of asbestos among dealers in Ifo local government area of Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Asbestos is a common material in buildings and auto-mobile brake system. Inappropriate exposure to it and poor handling are known to be harmful to human health. This study investigated personal and work related factors influencing exposed handling of asbestos among dealers in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. The study was a descriptive survey research. Multistage sampling was used to select six hundred respondents. Self-developed, structured, expert validated and reliable (r=0.82) questionnaire was used. Frequency counts, percentages and multiple regressions were used to analyze gleaned data. Regression results showed that age, sex and work intensity or magnitude would significantly influence exposed handling of asbestos among the dealers. It was recommended that the policy of companies in the asbestos industry should include work hour regulation, broad based safety training to all staff and youngsters should not be exposed to asbestos. Years of experience should be considered together with appropriate and modern personal protective equipment for all sexes.