Occupational hazards in sawmill industry and its effect on sawmill output in Nigeria

Sawmill workers are exposed to work-related health hazards to minimise cost and get maximum productivity at the expense of their health. However, it is empirically unknown how occupational hazards influence sawmill industry output, especially in Nigeria. Therefore, this study investigates occupational hazards in the sawmill industry and their effect on output. Descriptive statistics and ordinary least squares regression were used to analyse data collected from 120 randomly selected sawmill workers. The findings revealed that the most severe occupational hazards in the sawmill industry were environmental pollution, slips and falls, noise, vibration, dust, collisions, hazards from faulty machinery, and repetitive motion injuries. These led to serious health challenges among the workers. Occupational hazards (number of affected workers, number of times occupation hazards occur, and number of days absence from work due to hazard situations) negatively and significantly influenced sawmill outputs. Thus, occupational hazards reduced sawmill industry output. About half of the sawmill workers only use goggles and gloves (safety gear) as occupational hazard preventive measures, indicating poor use of personal protective equipment. This study calls for sensitisation and training of sawmill workers on occupational hazards and using personal protective equipment to prevent work-related health hazards by the government and relevant stakeholders.