ABSTRACT OF INAUGURAL LECTURE BY PROF. FOLASHADE OMOKHODION

Danger, men at work: the pitfalls, the perils and the panacea

The dangers to health inherent in work activities are presented especially with respect of men, women and children at work. About 70-80% of the Nigerian workforce are engaged in the informal sector which is characterized by unregulated work activities, harmful exposures to unprotected workers with little or no provision of occupational health services. Men constitute the majority of this workforce in various artisan trades working as mechanics, welders, plumbers, printers, barbers and carpenters. Women work as tailors, hairdressers and traders. They are exposed to physical, chemical, biological, mechanical and psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Some of the health problems associated with these trades are presented and include low back pain, musculoskeletal disorders, hand dermatitis, workplace injuries and noise induced hearing loss.

In women, occupational exposures during pregnancy may also affect the unborn child leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm births. Our studies showed that professionals such as lawyers, pharmacists and engineers had the lowest rates of low birth weight and preterm births, while health care workers had the highest rates of low birth weight and hairdressers and tailors had the highest rates of preterm births. Among tailors, foot pedals used in manual sewing machines were the source of exposure to vibration which may explain the high rates of preterm births in this occupational group. Our study also found that domestic chores involving carrying of heavy objects or heavy physical exertion was associated with low birth weight.

Work in children is prohibited under the age of 14 years in accordance with ILO Minimum Age Convention 138. Nigeria has about 15million working children below this age. Our studies in markets and schools highlight the health problems of these children. Parental factors were also highlighted such as low educational and socio-economic status. Mothers seem to be in support of child labour indicating that public enlightenment should target women in particular. A multi faceted approach involving parents, schools and the government is needed to address this problem.

The panacea for the perils and pitfalls in workplaces is primary prevention. This should be instituted in all workplaces in the form of Health and Safety policies, enforcement of existing work regulations, health education and the use of personal protective equipment. The University of Ibadan is encouraged to take the lead to protect the Health and Safety of its staff, students, contractors, tenants and visitors. Nigeria needs a Federal Agency dedicated to serve the Health and Safety needs of workers across the country and prevent unnecessary occupational ill health and loss of man hours. The primary health care system should be harnessed to deliver occupational health services to the teeming masses of workers in the informal sector.