Abstract
Coal-dust exposure is a significant occupational health hazard in the coal processing sector. This exposure is associated with various occupational respiratory health problems among the working population, especially in developing countries. However, there is limited literature on workers’ perceptions of coal-dust exposure and related health outcomes. The study aimed to establish the workers’ perception of coal-dust exposure and health hazards at a coal-fired power station. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed and used stratified sampling to select 152 workers from 245 power generation process workers. The data were collected through the use of a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) Version 25. The study showed that most respondents had knowledge about the sources (81%) and route (93.4%) of coaldust exposure; the frequency (57.9%) and duration of exposure (48%) that could lead to the development of respiratory or breathing problems (57.9%); health problems (74.3%) and prevention methods (84.2%). However, most of the respondents (82.2%) were unaware of safe coal dust concentration levels. Majority (94.7%) perceived that workers were exposed to coal-dust, it was the primary health hazard (67%) and were at risk of developing respiratory problems (76.3%). Just under half (49%) perceived that coal-dust exposure causes tuberculosis. Most respondents did not perceive the risk of transmission of coal-induced breathing problems between workers (79%) and to their children (67.8%). Less than half (40.8%) of respondents reported that coalinduced breathing problems were incurable through the use of medicine. Majority of the respondents (77%) perceived that workers can be protected from coal-dust exposure. Therefore, workers had good knowledge of coal-dust hazards; they perceived it as a major hazard and were at risk of developing respiratory problems. The workers’ perception was the same regardless of their length of work. Hence they may adopt healthy behaviours and safe practices to reduce coal-dust exposure. Reinforce safe behaviours through adoption of workplace policies, procedures and health promotion programs that encourage participation in reducing coal-dust was recommended.
M.Tech. (Environmental Health)