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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The specific objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of workers in small industries regarding preventive measures of occupational hazards. METHODS: Three workshops were randomly selected from each of the 8 types of industries in the industrial area. This gave a total sample of 24 workshops. From each of these, at least one worker was selected giving a total of 33 workers. All selected workers were interviewed using a standard questionnaire. A checklist on the conditions of the shop and availability of essential safety equipments was also designed. RESULTS: All workers were young non-Saudis. More than half of them (58%) were smokers. Nine percent of the workers had no knowledge of preventive measures. About 12% used personal protective measures all the time while 60% did not use any. Workers were exposed to a variety of occupational hazards with injuries and accidents forming the majority (39%). CONCLUSION: Knowledge of workers in small industries about occupational hazards and their use of protective measures was inadequate. Workers were exposed to a variety of occupational hazards mainly accidents and injuries.

Article Type

Research Article

First Page

740

Last Page

745

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