International Journal of Waste Resources

Abstract

Effect of Industrial Waste Management on Workers Health in Selected Industries in Nigeria

Olaoke Ibitola Olajumoke and Oyinlola Oluwagbemiga

Industrial wastes are basically hazardous and as the name implies pose potential risk to human health and the environment if not properly addressed. Thus, this study examines effects of industrial waste management on workers health status in selected industries. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The study population comprised industrial workers in Ibadan, Oyo State. A purposive sampling technique was used to take a total population of 270 employees. The major instrument used for the collection of data was a questionnaire tagged “Industrial Waste Management and Workers Health Status Questionnaire (IWMWHSQ)”. Four research hypotheses were formulated and were analysed by using simple percentages, ANOVA, Multiple Regression and Pearson Moment Correlation Analysis at 5% level of significance. Findings revealed that there is a positive significant relationship between incineration and workers health status (r=0.323, N=250, P<0.05). It also revealed a positive significant relationship between recycling and workers health status (r=0.240, N=250, P<0.05). There was positive significant relationship between workers safety practices and workers health status (r=0.160, N=250, P<0.05). There was also a positive significant relationship between workers’ occupational health attitude and workers health status (r=0.168, N=250, P<0.05). Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the government should put policy in place to check industries which engage in demeaning waste management practices that damages workers health because despite compensations that are being paid by some organisations employees’ health can never be bought.