Level of Awareness on Occupational Hazard in the Processing of Medium Density Fibreboard on Furniture Craftsmen in Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was designed to determine the level of awareness on occupational hazard in the processing of medium density fibreboard on furniture craftsmen in Katsina State. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The targeted population for the study was 40 respondents consisting of 10 Furniture Factory Managers and 30 furniture craftsmen who were selected from 10 registered furniture factories from the four major local government areas of Katsina State. A structured questionnaire (AHHMDFFC) containing 35 items was used for the study. Mean, Standard Deviation and t-test were used to analyse the data collected for the study. The null hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings indicates that both furniture craftsmen and factory managers acknowledge the health challenges posed by MDF dust and the effects of the MDF dust on personal health, However, the factory managers have a greater understanding of these effects. It was discovered that the effects can be reduced if the furniture craftsmen can adhere strictly to the safe practices in their activities with Medium Density Fibreboard. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others to increase awareness and education on its risks, provide additional training on personal health effects, and encourage adherence to safe practices for preventing harm.