OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD CONTROL NEEDS OF SLAUGHTERHOUSE WORKERS IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the occupational hazard control needs of slaughterhouse workers in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study was guided by four objectives and four research questions. The descriptive research design was adopted with a population which comprised 1,003 slaughterhouse workers in Bayelsa State.  The sample size for the study was 502 which was selected using a proportionate random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.95. Data collected were analyzed with the aid of Statistical Products for Service Solution (SPSS V-23) using bivariate and multivariate regression statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The hazards control equipment needs are: helmet (85.5%), face shield (85.5%), nasal mask (68.8), safety boot (63.6%), eye goggle (67.0%), hand glove (67.6%), ear plug and muff (70.2%) and fire extinguisher (65.2%).The hazard control training needs are: taking part in fire and emergency drill (76.9%), participating in a toolbox meeting (75.9%), taking part in hazards control training (75.9%), and attending workshop meetings (50.8%). However, only 33.4% had hazard control practice need. It was concluded that, slaughterhouse workers in Bayelsa State had hazard control needs in specific areas such as training and hazard control equipment needs which must be met by conscious effort to avert the effect of occupational hazards inherent in the job. It was recommended among others that, Slaughterhouse site supervisors should design and implement hazard control training and retraining programmes for the workers at regular intervals.