Determinants of Compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Practices among Metal Welders in Jinja Municipality-Jinja District Uganda

Abstract

Background Compliance with occupational health and safety measures at the workplace is an important step towards providing a healthier welding workplace; especially in developing countries like Uganda where such measures are not commonly considered. Some safety measures for welders include wearing eye goggles; face masks, gloves, ear plug, apron, and air filter [1]. Although in developed countries awareness and regulatory measures to adhere to safety precautions exist, in many developing countries they are still in a nascent stage of development as the majority of them come under the non-organized sector and safety precautions are not strictly implemented. Welding, a skilled profession has been practised since the ancient times [2]. Welders join and cut metal parts using a flame or an electric arc and other sources of heat to melt and cut or to melt and fuse metal [3]. The welding sector in Uganda is dominated by the informal sector with only a few industries where welding is carried out. Most of the welding sites are scattered along main roads from the city centre [4] in a study done in Jinja district, the results showed that 92% of the welders reported injuries or illnesses that they suspected of being caused by their work. Postulations have been made on why compliance with the guidelines is low among welders; some have mentioned issues to do with the work environment [5] while others have opined that the welders as individuals are to blame [6,5]. Hence the need for this study to assess the work environment and individual determinants of compliance with the occupational health and safety practices among metal welders in Jinja municipality-Jinja district. Methodology Research design The study adopted a cross-sectional study design with both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The study population was among the metal welders working within Jinja municipality. Eligibility criteria Inclusion: Metal welders aged above 18 years, as these were able to consent, Metal welders who were operating within the sampled parish within Jinja district and Metal welders who consented to participate. Abstract Background: Compliance with the occupational health and safety measures at workplace is an important step towards providing a healthier welding workplace; especially in developing countries like Uganda where such measures are commonly not well-considered.