Perception of occupational risk factors in sawmills in the El Salto region of Durango, Mexico

Abstract

Introduction: In the sawmill industry, the identification and assessment of potentially dangerous agents, as well as the worker's attitude towards the perception of risk factors, are important in the prevention of work accidents. Objective: To measure the level of workers' perception of risk factors during work performance, at 11 sawmills in the El Salto region, Pueblo Nuevo, Durango, Mexico. Materials and methods: An exploratory questionnaire was applied to 108 workers to determine the frequency of use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the perception of safety in the face of exposure to noise, lighting, smoke, dust and vibrations. Results and discussion: The average worker is a 37-year-old married person with 15 years of work experience and a grade six education. Most are overweight. Only 21 % of workers use PPE during the entire working day; gloves and dust masks are the most and least used items, respectively. Noise and vibrations are perceived as the most serious risk factors and, in general, the perception of safety at work goes from fair to good. The use of PPE is significantly related (Chi-square test P < 0.05) to age and sawmill. The perception of risk to the exposed parts of the body and noise depend on the job position (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Training and supervision of workers in the proper use of PPE is necessary to minimize occupational hazards.