PHARMA COLLEGE HAWASSA CAMPUS

SCHOOL OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE ON SAFETY INFORMATION AND ITS

ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HAWASSA INDUSTRIAL PARK FACTORY
WORKERS, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA, 2022 ; CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

BY ADEGE ALEMU

MPH THESIS

AUGUEST, 2022

HAWASSA, ETHIOPA

1
 PHARMA COLLEGE HAWASSA CAMPUS

SCHOOL OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF SAFETY INFORMATION AND ITS

ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HAWASSA INDUSTRIAL PARK FACTORY
WORKERS, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA, 2022 ;CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

By: - ADEGE ALEMU (BSC, VD)

Address: +251 996 555 371 / +251 991 188 585

ADVISOR: ANTENEH FIKRIE (MPH, ASS’T PROFESSOR)

Address: +2519-22-46-51-29

Email: antenehfikrie3@gmail.com

A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE PHARMA COLLEGE HAWASSA CAMPUS

SCHOOL OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
HEALTH FOR THE PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER IN PUBLIC HEALTH

AUGUEST, 2022

HAWASSA, ETHIOPA

i
 DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this MPH thesis is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in
any other university, and all sources of material used for this proposal have been duly acknowledged.
Name: ________________________
Signature: ________________________
Date: ________________________

This MPH thesis has been submitted for examination with my approval as thesis advisor.

Name: ________________________
Signature: ________________________
Date: ________________________
Name of the co- advisor: _________________________________

Date.____________________ Signature _________________

ii
 APPROVAL SHEET
This is to certify that a thesis proposal entitled “KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE ON SAFETY
INFORMATION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HAWASSA INDUSTRIAL PARK
FACTORIES WORKERS, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA, 2022” submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirement for the degree of MPH, the graduate program of the school of Public Health, and has
been carried out by ADEGE ALEMU under my supervision. Therefore, I recommend that the
student has fulfilled the requirements and hence hereby can submit the proposal to the department.

Name of the primary advisor: _________________________________

Date.____________________ Signature _________________

Name of the co- advisor: _________________________________

Date.____________________ Signature _________________

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First of all, I would like to forward my deepest gratitude to my almighty God for his all the
blessings and protections throughout my life.

My sincere thank goes to My Advisor Mr. Anteneh Fikrie (Assistant Professor) for his timely
response, constructive and comprehensive comments in order to capacitate me through my
progress. I would also like to thank him for his friendship, empathy, and great sense of humor

I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to Pharma College of Health
Science, School of Public Health for giving me this opportunity to conduct this study.

I want to acknowledge Hawassa Industrial Park office, data collectors and study participants for
their immense support during data collection time.

Finally, my deepest acknowledgment also goes to my family and friends who helped me a lot in
this study.

iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION..........................................................................................................................................i

APPROVAL SHEET..................................................................................................................................iii

Acknowledgement......................................................................................................................................iv

List of table...............................................................................................................................................viii

List of Figure...............................................................................................................................................ix

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS....................................................................................................x

ABSTRACT................................................................................................................................................xi

1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................xi

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY...........................................................................................................1

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS...............................................................................................2

1.3 Significance of the Study...................................................................................................................3

2. Literature Review.....................................................................................................................................4

2.1 General description.............................................................................................................................4

2.2 Magnitude of Knowledge on occupational safety..............................................................................6

2.3 Magnitude of occupational safety practice.........................................................................................6

2.4. Factors associated with Knowledge and practice of occupational safety..........................................7

2.4.1 Socio-demographic characteristics..............................................................................................7

2.4.2 Working environment factors......................................................................................................7

2.4 Conceptual framework.......................................................................................................................8

3. OBJECTIVES..........................................................................................................................................9

3.1 General Objectives.............................................................................................................................9

3.2 Specific Objectives.............................................................................................................................9

4. MATERIALS AND METHODS...........................................................................................................10

v
 4.1. Study Area.......................................................................................................................................10

4.2. Study Design and Period.................................................................................................................10

4.3. Population........................................................................................................................................10

4.3.1 Source Population......................................................................................................................10

4.3.2 Study Population........................................................................................................................10

4.4. Inclusion and Exclusion criteria......................................................................................................10

4.4.1 Inclusion criteria........................................................................................................................10

4.4.2 Exclusion criteria.......................................................................................................................10

4.5 Sample Size Determination..............................................................................................................11

4.6. Sampling technique.........................................................................................................................12

4.7. Data collection tools and technique.................................................................................................14

4.8. Study variables................................................................................................................................14

4.8.1 Dependent variables...................................................................................................................14

4.8.2 Independent variables................................................................................................................14

4.9. Operational Definitions...................................................................................................................14

4.10. Data quality control.......................................................................................................................15

4.11. Data management and Analysis....................................................................................................16

4.12. Ethical considerations....................................................................................................................16

4.13. Dissemination and utilization of result..........................................................................................16

5. RESULT.................................................................................................................................................17

5.1 Socio-demographic characteristics.....................................................................................................17

5.2 Knowledge on occupational health and safety information.............................................................19

5.3 Personal protective device usage practice of workers......................................................................21

5.4 Work environments or safety measure features...............................................................................21

5.5 Qualitative Findings.........................................................................................................................22

vi
 5.5.1 Focus group discussion (FGD)..................................................................................................22

5.5.2 Observation findings..................................................................................................................23

5.6. Factors associated with Knowledge and practice of occupational safety........................................25

5.6.1 Factors associated with knowledge and practice of participants towards safety information.......25

5. 6.1.1 Factors associated with knowledge.......................................................................................25

5. 6.1.2 Factors associated with practice of participants on safety information.................................27

6. DISCUSSION........................................................................................................................................29

7. Strengths and limitations of the study....................................................................................................31

7.1 Strength of the study........................................................................................................................31

7.2 Limitations........................................................................................................................................31

8. Conclusion and Recommendation.........................................................................................................32

8.1 Conclusion........................................................................................................................................32

8.2 Recommendations............................................................................................................................33

Reference...................................................................................................................................................34

ANNEXES.................................................................................................................................................37

Annex I. Participant information sheet and informed concent form......................................................37

Annex II English version questionnaire.................................................................................................38

Annex III. Checklist for safety information...........................................................................................46

Annex IV: An International Occupational Health and Safety Signs.......................................................1

vii
LIST OF TABLE

Table 1: Sample size determination considering factors associated with Knowledge and Practice of
Occupational safety 2022...........................................................................................................................23

Table 2: Distribution of socio-demographic characteristic of the respondents Hawassa Industrial

Park Auguest 2022(n=357)........................................................................................................................29

Table 3: The knowledge level of respondents on safety information Hawassa Industrial Park
Auguest 2022(n=232)................................................................................................................................30

Table 4 Bivariate and multivariate analysis of factors associated with knowledge of workers
towards safety information at HIP August 2022..........................................................................................2

viii
LIST OF FIGURE

Figure 1 Conceptual framework for study of Knowledge and practice on occupational safety and
its associated factors...................................................................................................................................19

Figure 2:- Diagrammatic representation of sampling procedures in Hawassa industrial Park

southern Ethiopia 2022..............................................................................................................................24

Figure 3: The knowledge status of the respondents on fire classes Hawassa Industrial Park
Auguest 2022.............................................................................................................................................31

Figure 4: Personal prote ctive device utilization characteristics of the workers, Hawassa Industrial
Park Auguest 2022.....................................................................................................................................32

ix
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

WHO……………………………………. World health organization

H IP……………………………………. Hawassa industrial park
ILO……………………………………. International Labor Office
GDP……………………………………. Gross domestic product
ANSI……………………………………. American National Standards Institute
OSHA……………………………………. Occupational Safety Hazard Administration
NIOSH……………………………………. National institute of occupational safety and health
SPSS……………………………………. Statistical Package for Social Science
AOR…………………………………….Adjusted odds ratio
COR…………………………………….Crude odds ratio
CI………………………………………..Confidence interval
SNNPR………………………………….South Nation Nationalities People and Regional State

x
ABSTRACT
Background: Annually, throughout the world, an estimated 271 million people suffer from work
related injuries, and 2 million die from the injury. In recent years, in developed countries the
occupational health and safety of workers has improved, but it is not true in developing countries.
Ethiopia is categorized among under developed countries and do not have much data on health
and safety.
Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice on safety information and associated factors among
Hawasa industrial park factories workers southern Ethiopia, 2022.
Methods: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 357
Hawassa Industrial Park factories workers in Hawasa City, Southern Ethiopia from June -September;
2022.The data was collected using the questionnaires, focus group discussion, and observational
checklists. The questionnaire was pre-tested for their accuracy and validation prior to the actual
study and the necessary adjustments were done accordingly. The data were entered after being
encoded and analyzed using Epi data and SPSS.
Results: The mean (standard deviation) age of the respondents was 27.07± (5.96). Sixty five percent
of the respondents recognized at least one safety sign. eighty (22.1%) respondents got training on
different occupational health and safety information and 85.7% of the respondents used glove and
56% used boots.Works right and obligation, sex, employment pattern, job category and level of
education were found to be the determinant factors of respondents knowledge level [OR: 0.095(0.039,
0.229) ] [OR: 11.075(5.28,23.2)], [OR: 23.31(7.62,71.33)], [OR: 11.37(5.05,25.58)] and [OR:
0.063(0.022, 0.180)] respectively. Workers sex, job category, presence of supervision and knowledge
on safety information was found to be a positive determinant factor for PPD usage [AOR: 2.53,
95%CI (1.31, 4.9)]. [ (AOR=2.01, 95% CI (1.02, 3.61)], [AOR CI 95% 3.04(1.938, 13.106)] [(AOR:
2.34, 95%CI (1.084, 5.062)],
Conclusion and recommendation: The workers have good knowledge level compared to other
studies. Workers sex and Job category have positive effects on both knowledge levels and safe
practices. Presence of supervision has positive effects on safe practice but did not impact
knowledge. Health and safety recommendation and training should be given to the workers. Safety
signs should posted at a reasonable work site

xi
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Occupational health and safety is one amongst the foremost necessary aspects of human concern.
It aims an adaptation of operating atmosphere to employees for the promotion and maintenance of
the very best degree of physical, mental and social upbeat of employees all told occupations [1]

Rapid globalisation and technological progress have reworked the approach we tend to work
across the planet. In some cases several of the additional ancient hazards and risks are reduced or
eliminated, in different cases new risks have emerged, whereas in a very additional set of cases
existing risks have increased. As a result, enterprises have placed larger stress on preventing
activity accidents and ill-health through OSH management systems. over 10 years of world
implementation of such systems have shown that making certain smart safety and health standards
is sweet for business productivity likewise as for quality employment.[2]

Consequently, the geographical point has become a perfect venue to deal with rising psychosocial
risks so as to guard the health and well-being of all employees. this can additionally contribute
towards rising geographical point productivity and performance, rising the long well-being of
employees and their families, and reducing pressure on the enterprise, likewise as on the health-
care, welfare, and social insurance systems[2]

Safe work and workplace is necessary for increased production and higher productivity and hence
promotion and protection of safe work and workplace is the complementary aspect of industrial
development [1]. Ethiopia also adopted this idea in its labour code where every organization
should have laws and regulations on occupational safety, health and working environment [2].
However, industrial occupations may create unsafe work and work environment because of the
inherent sources of hazards present in their materials.[3]

1
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS
Development and industrialisation specifically, have created vast positive contributions, to health,
social wealth and improved education service. However, industrialisation has also had adverse
health consequences on work places. These effects are caused either directly by exposure to safety
hazards and harmful agents or indirectly through environmental degradation [6]

According to the ILO estimates, every year over 2.3 million women and men die at work from an
occupational injury or disease. Over 350,000 deaths are due to fatal accidents and nearly 2 million
deaths are due to fatal work-related diseases. Additionally, over 313 million workers are concerned
in non-fatal activity accidents inflicting serious injuries and absences from work. The ILO
additionally estimates that a hundred and sixty million cases of non-fatal work-related diseases
occur annually. These estimates imply that each day 6400 individuals die from work related
accidents or diseases which 860,000 individuals are injured on the job[7].

In sub-Saharan African countries about 54000 fatal work related accidents happen annually and
more or less 42 million work-related accidents occurred that results a minimum of 3 days absence
from work. The rate in sub-Saharan African countries is 21/100000 workers and therefore the
accident rate per 100,000 staff is 16000.[8] In Ethiopia, the fatal occupational accidents rate is
5596/yr with a rate of 21.5/100000 workers and an accident rate of 16426/100000 workers.[9]

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has calculable that the full prices of such accidents
and pathological state quantity to more or less 4 percent of the world’s gross domestic product
(GDPs.[10]. restricted money resources and lack of adequate knowledge has hampered the efforts
to combat the matter of industrial and occupational accidents in developing countries[11]. In such
cases, prevention emerges because the most value effective tool to cut back accident rates
inflicting disabilities and deaths within the geographical point. Consequently, if individuals aren't
safety acutely aware, then no quantity of appliance, fail safe devices and copy alarms will
guarantee their safety [12]

In recent years, occupational health and safety of the workers has improved and is comparatively
satisfactory in developed countries, whereas in developing countries, occupational health receives
very little attention and comes at low level within the list of national priorities.[1]. this is often
additionally true for African nation and our country Ethiopia, an underdeveloped country of sub-
2
Saharan Africa thus the aim of this study was to assess knowledge and practice towards
occupational hazards and associated factors among workers on safety measures as basic for
intervention and downside finding modalities[13][14]

1.3 Significance of the Study

The rationale of the study is that, Ethiopia is one of the countries in which industries are growing
up and at the same time information, concerning on occupational safety to workers is minimal, as
well work related injuries are likely to rise among workers with less information[4]

Designing any intervention program needs a thorough assessment of the knowledge, practice of
the population at which the intervention program is carried out[5] Thus, in order to formulate
appropriate control methods to reduce the occupational or work place incidences, it is necessary to
assess the knowledge, practice and associated factors of factory workers on occupational safety
application to design appropriate intervention methods and make the workers safe while they are
undergoing different activities[1]

Therefore, this study is designed to assess the knowledge, practice and associated factors of safety
application at Hawassa industrial park workers and will provide the necessary information for
policy makers and others who are interested in the field

3
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 General description
Safety, hazard and warning signs ensure that employees, visitors, building occupants, and
emergency personnel have adequate information concerning dangers in the workplace[6]. Both the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Occupational Safety Hazard Administration
(OSHA) have recommended standards for the use of different kinds of warning signs[7].
Occupational health and safety information in general could be signs, symbols, pictograms,
and written safety manuals, material safety data sheets, working procedures, guidelines, instructing
labeling and others that could provide the necessary information for the workers and others who
come across the working environments. Safety and/or health at work sign means signs referring to
a specific object, activity or situation and providing information or instructions about safety and/or
health at work by means of a signboard, a colour, an illuminated or acoustic signal, a verbal
communication or a hand signal, as the case may be. Knowledge is what the individual/worker
knows about safety information (labels, symbols, signs, pictograms, guidelines, manuals) used as
indication to describe the safe activity in the work place. Practice is what the workers are
actually practicing based on the safety information. There are many types of Right-To-Know
(RTK) sign and label designs used to inform employees which can be categorized in to four
classes.

1. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)

The OSHA hazard communication standard specifies that employers must have a MSDS in
the work place for each hazardous chemical used[7]. The standard requires the MSDS to describe;
the physical and chemical characteristics of the hazardous chemical; physical hazards,
including potential for fire, explosion, and reactivity; Health hazard, including signs and
symptoms of exposure and health conditions potentially aggravated by the chemical, and, the
name, address and telephone number of the party able to provide other additional information
about the chemical.[8][7][9]

2. Instructional labels and manuals

The ANSI guide for developing user product information was published in 1990, and several other
consensus organizations are working on draft documents. They have included sections entitled:
4
“Organizational Elements”, “Illustrations”, “Instructions”, “Warnings”, “Standards”, “How to use
Language”, and “An Instructions Development Checklist”. While the guideline is brief, the
document represents a useful initial effort in this area[7][10]

Ethiopia has been a member state of ILO since 1923. However the national occupational
safety and health policy is not issued though it is required by the country as a result of
ratifying occupational safety and health conventionNo.155/1981[4]

1. Safety symbols
Numerous standards throughout the world contain provisions regarding safety symbols.
Among such standards, the ANSI Z535.3 standard, Criteria for Safety symbols, is particularly
relevant for industrial users[7]

2. Warning signs, labels and tags

ANSI and other standards provide very specific recommendations regarding the design of warning
signs, labels, and tags. These include among other factors, particular signal words and text,
color-coding schemes, typography, symbols, arrangement and hazard identification. Among the
most popular signal words recommended are: DANGER to indicate the highest level of hazard;
WARNING to represent an intermediate hazard: and CAUTION, to indicate the lowest level of
hazard. Color coding methods are to be used to consistently associate color with particular levels
of hazard[[7] 20][10]

A. Notice signs
Notice signs can include information about procedures, operating instructions, maintenance
information, information about rules, or directional information. Notice signs are never used
for safety related information or warnings. They are only used to provide general information[9]

B. Caution signs
A caution sign indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury. Caution signs are used in areas where potential injury or equipment
damage is possible, or to caution against unsafe practices[8]

5
 C. Danger signs
Danger signs indicate an immediate hazard and they inform people about special precautions that
are necessary. OSHA states that there is to be no variation in the type of design of signs posted to
warn of specific dangers[9][8]

2.2 Magnitude of Knowledge on occupational safety

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice The study carried out in five different Southern African
countries(Malawi, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe) on knowledge status of safety
signs and labels of chemicals showed that on average, 81% of the employees knew warning
symbols of toxic, 14% corrosive, 14% harmful, 67% flammable, 0% oxidizing, and 19%
explosive[11]

Study conducted in eastern Nepale shows that 90.7%) welders were aware of at least one hazard of
welding and a similar proportion of welders were aware of at least one PPE incontrast to it the
similar studied done in Central Region of Malaysia shows that (60.4%) of respondents have a good
knowledge.[12][13]. Another study in Nigeria at sokoto texitile dye workers reveald that more
than half of 74.0% workers had good knowledge of workplace hazards regarding to safety
information.[14]
Almost all employees interviewed were not aware of material safety data sheets of the chemicals.
In cases where the safety data sheets were available, only employer’s representatives were
aware of them. Employees felt they should have access to material safety data sheets on all
chemicals. Of the employees interviewed, an average of 90% employees could correctly identify
two of the hazard symbols, particularly the "toxic and flammable" symbols. The symbol for
harmful was invariably identified as "No Entry, Red Cross or Railway Crossing" signs. The
majorities of employees were illiterate and cannot read or write especially in English[11]
Another study done Ethiopia Tigray region Adwa town textile workers more than half of
respondents 69% of respondents had knowledge on safety information.[15] Similar study done
Tigray Region Aksum and Adwa Towns half of the respondents (51.9%) respondents had
knowledge on occupational hazards[16].

6
2.3 Magnitude of occupational safety practice
According to studies conducted in southern Asia Nepal revealed that 90.7%) of welders were
aware of at least one PPE. However, only 47.7% used one or more types of PPE[12]. Another
study done in Nigeria Sokoto textile dye workers only 20% observed all the safety practices[14]
Another study conducted in Ethiopia Tigray Region Aksum and Adwa Towns, 86.5%) workers
used personal protective equipment’s[16]. Similarly study done in Adwa town textile workers on
54% were found to use personal protective equipment’s (PPE)[15]. Another study done in Amhara
Region Debre-Berhan Town among Large-Scale Factory Workers Most workers, 367 (89%) knew
that PPE can prevent work-related injury and illness. Overall, 172 (41.7%) of the workers were
considered to have good personal protective equipment utilization[17]. Similar study done on
textile factory workers at Hawassa Town, Southern Ethiopia revealed that The magnitude of
personal protective equipment utilization was 82.4 %.[18]. And similar study done among building
construction workers in Addis Ababa shows utilization of at least one PPE among building
construction workers in Addis Ababa was found to be 38%. The majority (41.1%) of the
participants’ reason for not using PPE were the unavailability of PPE followed by absence of
orientation on using PPE[19]

2.4. Factors associated with Knowledge and practice of occupational safety

2.4.1 Socio-demographic characteristics

Study conducted in eastern Nepal shows that the variables Education and duration of employment
were significantly associated with the awareness of hazards and of PPE and its use[12]. Similarly
study conducted in Central Region of Malaysia Regression analysis revealed that significant
predictors for knowledge were age] and marital status Another study in Nigeria shows that the
factors Formal education (P=0.047); working less than 5 days a week (P=0.001) and permanent
employment (P=0.013) were found to be determinants of respondents’ knowledge[14]

2.4.2 Working environment factors

According to study conducted in Addis Ababa showed that factors associated with utilization of
PPE were the presence of training on PPE use,presence of safety training, safety orientation before
commencing work and presence of supervision.[19]. Another study done in Debre-Berhan Town
7
showed that the majority of the workers have no health and safety education and only 40.2% used
PPD[17]. Similarly the study done in Akaki textile factory showed that 86.1% and 87.4% of the
workers had no health and safety training and not used PPD respectively. Therefore, to design
intervention method and alleviate this work related problems, it is worth to assess the knowledge
and practice of workers on safety information[19]

Study conducted in Adwa town shows that Gender, having safety training and work regulation were
factors associated with knowledge level of the participants. Safety training, work regulation and
knowledge to safety information were factors to increase safe practices of using personnel protective
equipment’s[15]

8
 2.4 Conceptual framework
Source: Adapted from different peer review articles[20]

Socio-demographic
Knowledge of
related factors safety signs
 Age
 Sex
 Level of
education
 Occupation Safe practice of
the workers
 Income
 Marital status

Working environment related factors

 Health and safety training  Workers right and

 Availability of health and obligation

safety  Presence of work

 recommendation/instruction regulation

 Work place supervision

Figure 1 Conceptual framework for study of Knowledge

9 and practice on occupational safety
and its associated factors
3. OBJECTIVES
3.1 General Objectives
 To assess the knowledge, practice and associated factors of safety information among Hawassa
industrial park factories workers, southern Ethiopia, 2022

3.2 Specific Objectives

 To determine knowledge of safety information among Hawassa industrial park factories workers,
southern Ethiopia, 2022
 To assess practice of safety information Hawassa industrial park factories workers, southern
Ethiopia, 2022
 To identify factors associated with knowledge on safety information Hawassa industrial park
factories workers, southern Ethiopia, 2022
 To identify factors associated with practice on safety information Hawassa industrial park
factories workers, southern Ethiopia, 2022

10
4. MATERIALS AND METHODS
4.1. Study Area

The study was conducted in Hawassa industrial park, Hawassa town, and Sidama region, Southern
Ethiopia. The Hawassa Industrial Park, which opened in July 2016, has been described as the
Ethiopian government’s “fagship” industrial park. It is found in Hawassa city, located 275km from
Addis Ababa, and the capital of Ethiopia. The city has a latitude and longitude of 7°3′N 38°28′E
and an elevation of 1708m (5,604ft) above sea level. The company encompasses an area of 1.3
million square meters, of which 300,000-m square is a factory shed build-up area. Currently, 22
leading global apparel and textile companies from America, China, India, Sri Lanka as well as
different local manufacturers are operating within the park [21]. According to 20221 annual
reports, the company has overall 42,700 workers across 52 shades and around 70% of them are
female.

4.2. Study Design and Period

An institutional based cross-sectional study design involving quantitative method was conducted
to assess the knowledge and practice of the workers on safety information and its associated
factors.The study was carried out from June -September, 2022

4.3. Population
4.3.1 Source Population
Source Population was all employees work in Hawassa industrial park

4.3.2 Study Population

The study population was all employees work in Hawassa industrial park that fulfills the inclusion
criteria will be included in the study.

4.4. Inclusion and Exclusion criteria

4.4.1 Inclusion criteria- all employees who were currently working in the industry park.

4.4.2 Exclusion criteria:-Those employees who were acutely ill and couldn’t communicate
during the data collection period were excluded from the study

11
4.5 Sample Size Determination
4.5.1. Sample size for objective one

The sample size required for the study was calculated using a single population proportion formula
by considering an estimated prevalence of Achenef (2007) Assessment of Knowledge and Practice
on Safety Information among Factory Workers. is 69.5% [12] from the study conducted in Kality
Metal Product and Ethiopian Iron and Steel factories in March 2007, a 5% margin of error, a 95%
confidence interval, and 10% non-response rate.
n = (Z α/2)2 * P (1-p) /d2

Where, n = sample size

p = workers knowledge proportion (69.5%)

Z = standard normal distribution curve value for the 95% confidence interval (1.96)

d = the margin of error or accepted error

n = (1.96)2 * 0.5(1-0.695) (0.05)2

n = 325 persons.

With 10% contingency of the non-response rate, the total sample sizes were 357 persons.

12
 4.5.2 Sample size for objective two
Sample size for factors associated with knowledge and practice of safety information will be
determined based on factors identified by a study cited below by using the software openepi
The most frequent factor that was significantly associated to safety information was selected for sample
size calculation.
Table 1: Sample size determination considering factors associated with Knowledge and Practice of
Occupational safety 2022

Factors % of AOR Power CI Sample 10% Non- Final Reference

outcome of Size response Sample
unexposed rate size with
10%
Presence of 30.5 1.92 80 95 62 7 69 [19]
supervision
Work experience 44.6 0.03 80 95 40 4 44 [16]
Safety 54.5 2.4 80 95 204 21 225 [20]
recommendation
Marital status 84.9 2.12 80 95 260 26 286 [13]

Based on the above information the final sample size was n=357 by taking the highest sample size
from both specific objective.

4.6. Sampling technique

Stratified sampling technique was used to obtain a representative study sample.Generally there is
52 sheds in Hawassa industrial Park among them 19 sheds close their work due to unproductivity
and there is only 33 functional sheds among them 30% of the sheds will be included in the study.
From the sheds, 10 will be selected randomly by lottery method. The sample size will be
distributed to each selected sheds by proportional to the size of workers in the shed. Finally the
study subjects from each shed were selected by using systematic random sampling techniques. To
determine sampling interval and select the first subject, the total number of workers was divided to
the total sample size and the first person was selected by lottery method and follow the already
determined sequences see figure 2 below
13
 Hawassa Industrial Park

10 shed were selected by Simple random sampling

\

Ever Hydra Endoch KGG

Hella JEP PVH Epic Best Quad

8800 800
1500 9500 1450
1650 1300 450 750 1850
0

Proportional Allocation

50 46 27 49 25
40 29 14 23 54

357

Figure 2:- Diagrammatic representation of sampling procedures in Hawassa industrial Park southern
14
Ethiopia 2022
4.7. Data collection tools and technique
Data was collected by using tools such as structured questionnaire, different safety signs, and
observational checklist will be used to collect the required quantitative information. The
questionnaire will be first developed in English and then translated in to Amharic and back to
English by different persons to check its reliability and validity. The English version
questionnaire, translated to Amharic version, has three parts.The data was collected by diploma
graduates after they have been given a thorough training. Five data collectors and one supervisor
were participating to conduct the interview. A day to day supervision was under taken during the
whole period of data collection. At the end of each day, the questionnaires were checked for
completeness and consistency.

4.8. Study variables

4.8.1 Dependent variables
 Knowledge of safety information
 Practice of the workers

4.8.2 Independent variables

Socio-demographic variables: Work environment variables:
 Age  Health and safety training
 Sex  Workers right and obligation
 Educational status  Safety recommendations
 Work experience  Availability of personal protective
equipment’s
 Presence of supervision

4.9. Operational Definitions

Knowledge means assessment of what the individual/worker knows about safety information used
as indication to describe the safe activity in the work place.
Practice means assessment of respondents what they are actually practicing prior to the study.
Safety means the state for which the risks are judged to be acceptable.
Incidents mean all hazard related events that have been referred to as accidents, mishaps, near
misses, occupational illnesses, environmental spills, loses, fires, explosions.
15
Safety and/or health at work signs means signs referring to a specific object, activity or situation
and providing information or instructions about safety and/or health at work by means of a
signboard, a colour, an illuminated or acoustic signal, a verbal communication or a hand signal, as
the case may be.
Warning sign means a sign giving warning of a hazard or danger.
Emergency escape or first-aid sign means a sign giving information on emergency exits or first-
aid or rescue facilities.
Information sign means a sign providing information to any person in the work area to perform
any activity or movement safely.
Hand signal means a movement or position of the arms or hands, in coded form, for guiding
persons who are carrying out maneuvers, which constitute a hazard

4.10. Data quality control

To assure the data quality, training were given for data collectors and supervisors by principal
investigator prior to data collection time. The principal investigator made close follow up and
assistance during the process of data collection. 5% of the questionnaires were test in hawasa
textile factory workers for the accuracy and validity and the necessary adjustments done prior to
the actual study time. Completeness and consistency of the collected data reviewed and checked
on daily basis during data collection by supervisors and principal investigator. Trained data
collectors colect the data after thoroughly explaining the objective of the study to each study
subject and informed consent were obtained.

4.11. Data management and Analysis

The data was entered, cleaned and edited using EPI-data 3.1 and transferred to SPSS version 25

statistical package for further analysis. The data was summarized by descriptive statistics such as
frequency, percentage, and measures of central tendency (mean, median).
To identify factors associated with the outcome variable (knowledge of safety application and safe
practice of workers), a bivariate logistic regression analysis will be performed for each
independent variable and crude odds ratio (COR) with 95% confidence intervals will be obtained.
Those variables that have p-value less than or equal to 0.25 on bivariate analysis were included in
the multivariable logistic regression model to determine the factors associated with knowledge of
safety application and safe practice of workers among hawasa industrial park workers The strength
16
of statistical association will be measured by adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence
intervals. In all cases P-value, less than 0.05 will be considered as statistically significant. Finally,
the results were presented using tables and graph. Multivariable model were tested for goodness of
fit with Hosmer Lemeshow test.

4.12. Ethical considerations

Ethical clearance was obtained from Pharma College School of public health and college of health
science institutional ethical review committee. Prior to data collection an official written letter
from institutional ethical review committee was submitted to the responsible Hawassa industrial
park office. Individual consent was obtained before administration of questionnaire. The consent
form was translated in Amharic language and subjects were informed about the objective of the
study, possible risks and benefits of the study by data collectors in their local language. To ensure
confidentiality; participant’s data was linked to a code number and verbal consent was made with
the right not to participate in the study. Honesty and confidentiality was maintained through.
Personal privacy and cultural norms was respected.

4.13. Dissemination and utilization of result

The result of the study were disseminated or/and communicated to Pharma college, the factories,
and Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs Furthermore the study finding were addressed to the
people through publication.

17
5. RESULT

5.1 Socio-demographic characteristics

A total 357(100%) respondents were interviewed. The majority of the respondents 205(57.4%)
were f e males. Respondents’ age ranged from 18 to 55 with the median of 27. The mean
(standard deviation) age of the respondents was 27.07± (5.96). The majority, 303 (84.9%)
were in 18-29 age group.
The dominant religion in the study area was Protesteant Christian 173(48.5 %) followed by
Orthodox Christian 139(38.9%).
One hundred sixty (44.8%) of the respondents were single, 79 (22.1%) were married, and
57(16%) were separated.
The educational levels of the study subjects was 19 (5.3%) illiterate, 33 (9.2%) can read and write,
61(17.1%) complete elementary school (1-8) 80(22.4%) complete high school (9-12),
97(27.2%) certificate, and 67(18.8%) were diploma and above (Table 2).
From the total respondents 185 (51.8%) were production workers and 172(48.2%) were white
collars or administrative staffs. One hundred eighty five (51.8%) were temporary or contractual
workers and the rest one hundred seventy two (48.2%) were permanent workers
The majority of the study subjects were found in lessthan or equal to five service year group,
274(76.8%) followed by greater than 5 service year group which accounts 83(23.2%)

18
 Table 1: Distribution of socio-demographic characteristic of the respondents Hawassa Industrial
Park Auguest 2022(n=357)

Variables Frequency Percent (%)

Sex Male 152 42.6
Female 205 57.4
Age 18-29 303 84.9
30-39 30 8.4
40-49 15 4.2
50+ 9 2.5
Educational status Not read and write 19 5.3
Read and write without formal education 33 9.2
Primarly(1-8) 61 17.1
Secondar(9-12) 80 22.4
Certificate/Diploma 97 27.2
Degree and above 67 18.8
Religion Protestant 173 48.5
Orthodox 139 38.9
Muslim 26 7.3
Catholic 19 5.3
Marital status 160 44.8
Single
Married 79 22.1
Divorced 41 11.5
Widowed 20 5.6
Separated 57 16
Service years ≤5 274 76.8
>5 83 23.2

19
 5.2 Knowledge on occupational health and safety information
From the total study subjects two hundred thirty two (65%) knew the presence of different
kinds of occupational health and safety information where as the rest one hundred twenty
five (35%) of the respondents never heard about it. Among 232 respondents, who have knowledge
about occupational health and safety information, 191 (82.3%) knew about danger sign, 190
(81.8%) knew warning sign, and 169 (72.8%) knew about corrosive sign.
One hundred sixty nine (72.8%) respondents knew exit signs, One hundred sixty (68.9%)
respondents knew flammable sign, 160 (68.9%) knew harmful sign, 153 (65.9%) irritant sign,
and 161(69.3%) knew explosive sign. One hundred sixty four (70.6%) study subjects knew
about oxidizing sign and the rest One hundred fifty six (67.4%) respondents knew about toxic
and One hundred fifty seven (67.6%) knew high voltage or electrical risk signs respectively (Table
2)
Table 3: The knowledge level of respondents on safety information Hawassa Industrial Park
Auguest 2022(n=232)

Variables Frequency Percent (%) Variables Frequency Percent

(%)
Danger sign Yes 191 82.3 Irritant Yes 153 65.9
No 41 17.7 No 79 34.1
Warning sign Yes 190 81.8 Expossive Yes 161 69.3
No 42 18.2 No 71 30.7
Corrosive Yes 169 72.8 Oxidizing Yes 164 70.6
No 63 28.2 No 68 29.4
Exit sign Yes 169 72.8 Toxic Yes 156 67.2
No 63 28.2 No 76 32.8
Flammable Yes 160 68.9 High Yes 157 67.6
No 72 31.1 voltage No 75 32.4
Harmful Yes 160 68.9
No 72 31.1

20
From the total study subjects two hundred fifteen (60.2%) knew the presence of different fire
classes. Among the respondents 144 (40.3%) knew fire class A , seventy four (21%) knew fire class B,
and 109 (30.5%) knew fire class C, and lastly 103 (28.9%) of the interviewees knew about fire
class D (Figure 1).
One hundred eighty eight (52.7%) respondents believed that different kinds of occupational health
and safety signs or symbols should present and labeled at the different area of the working
environment.

160
140
FREQUENCY

120
100
80
60
40
20
0
A B C D

FIRE CLASS

Figure 3: The knowledge status of the respondents on fire classes Hawassa Industrial Park
Auguest 2022
From the study subjects who responded as they knew different occupational health and safety
signs, 79 (22.1%) got the knowledge from their higher education training, 29(8.1%) from the
factories training, and 239 (66.9%) did get from their work experiences.

21
5.3 Personal protective device usage practice of workers
The majority of the respondents 235 (65.8%) used over face shield followed by gloves 306
(85.7%). 200 respondents (56%) used boots, 198 (29.52%) used goggles, 77 (35.16%) used
respirator (Figure 2).

350

300

250
Frequency

200

150 yes
no
100

50

0
Glove Earplug Respirator Helments Overall Goggles Faceshields Boots

PPD

Figure 4: Personal prote ctive device utilization characteristics of the workers, Hawassa Industrial
Park Auguest 2022
From the total study subjects, 139 (38.9%) respondents had training on different occupational
health and safety information in the last 12 months and of these trained workers 24 (6.7%)
responded as they applied practically what they have been trained. From 293 workers who say fire
extinguishers device exist in the organization 24 (6.7%) can implement fire extinguishers
whenever there is fire accidents.

5.4 Work environments or safety measure features

More than half study participants, 265(74.2) have been at their work site for 40 hours per
week. 65 (18.2%) workers spent more than 40 hours per week on work and the rest 27 (7.6%)
spent less than 40 hours per week. 238 (66.7%) participants knew the presence of workers right
and obligation in working areas where as the rest 119(33.3%) of the study subjects did not
know about it. From the total respondents, 39 (10.9%) answered that there were supervision in

22
the last 12 months by different bodies and 318(89.1%) responded as they did not seen such
activity.
Three hundred thirty seven (94.4%) respondents explained that different kinds of health and safety
recommendations were encountered in their working areas by their immediate supervisors or
written labeled.

5.5 Qualitative Findings

5.5.1 Focus group discussion (FGD)

5.5.1.1 Knowledge of safety signs

It is impossible to say that workers have knowledge about safety signs and symbols, because they
mentioned during their discussion time that no training was given to the workers, no displayed
signs and symbols or written materials in each working sections. There is only one precaution sign
which is very old and covered by dust and most of the discussion members described as they did
not know its use. Some participants said that few workers knew some safety symbols and labels,
for example, danger sign, precaution sign are known by some of the workers. As stated by one
worker, the cylinder that contains oxygen gas is blue in colour, while the cylinder that contains
acetylene is rose in colour, but it does not mean that all workers know it

5.5.1.2 Safe practice of workers on safety features

They stated that safety signs or symbols should present in all working sections because if they
were there, workers could kept themselves before the problem occurred. Personal Protective
Devices (PPD) are very necessary especially for factory workers but in these factories especially,
for temporary or contract workers, no any protective devices, even for those permanent workers
only glove and over coat were given. Training is very important and necessary and workers need
it, but there was no any training, because the administrative staffs are very careless or negligent
for production workers. Therefore, because of both reasons that was shortage of PPDs and absence
of training on health and safety issues, workers practice on the PPDs usage and safety procedures
were poor.

23
5.5.1.3 Environmental and socio-demographic settings

The focus group discussion members have raised the following issues during their discussion time.
For example, in factory no occupational health and safety committee, no trainings were given to
the workers when they were newly employed or as refreshment. In some working sections, there
was no even a simple safety signs or labels that alert the worker before problems have been
occurred. As an example, in the maintenance section there was sulfuric acid for the car battery,
but on the container there was no any label or descriptions that mentioned the substance.
Occupational injuries mostly occurred on night shift workers. The frequencies of the injuries were
not high but when it happened, it was very dangerous. For example, in the manufacturing section,
one worker failed and was absent from work for three months and one worker has been cut his
fingers. As it has been mentioned by most of the discussion members repeatedly, no any
occupational health and safety committee in the factory to teach the workers on safety
information as well as methods of prevention before the health problem was coming. Except very
few safety signs that displayed on certain machines, no signs and symbols. Therefore, there were
conditions in which injuries occurred on some gusts that came for supervision

5.5.2 Observation findings

1. Manufacturing room

 No emergency exit signs.

 Fire extinguishers were present and easily accessible, but there were no fire alarms.
 Stair ways were kept free of obstructions and were not used as storage for other
materials.
 Work areas were free of electrical hazards: no exposed wiring, damaged electrical cords,
or unsafe use of extension cords.
 Since there is no dust particle, there were no hoods but there was a slip hazard resulted
from the leakage of milky lubricant oils that used in the working room.
 Some hazard signs like: high voltage/electrical risk, falling risk, not allowed to pedestrian,
and general safety are posted at the machines, but there is no other sign or written
materials. The above mentioned signs are easily visible.
24
2 Construction room

 No emergency exit signs.

 Fire extinguishers were present, and easily accessible, but there were no fire alarms.
 Corridors and stair ways are not used for storage of materials, but some immediate
products were there in the working area.
 Electrical cables joined from the socket and extended to the welding site are
considered as some obstruction and there were exposed nuts at the socket that may result
in electrical hazards.
 The floor is dry, but not clean, it is dusty and unorganized.
 There is no a hazard sign or symbols except the general safety sign that indicate the
workers to use eye protective device while they are welding.
 The workers used over coat, glove, and eye protective device.
 Personnel are not familiar with applicable material safety data sheets.
3. Maintenance room

 No emergency exit symbols are listed.

 There was fire extinguisher but not found at the reasonable place, because it was
simply at the floor with other materials, there were no fire alarms.
 The working places were kept free, but the room that used as an office was full of
many unlabeled materials, chemicals, and greases and oils.
 Working areas were free of electrical hazards.
 The floor was free and no slip hazard.
 No any hazard sign/symbols were posted in the maintenance section.
 Workers used over coats.
 Personnel were not familiar with applicable material safety data sheets.

25
5.6. Factors associated with Knowledge and practice of occupational safety
5.6.1 Factors associated with knowledge and practice of participants towards safety information

5. 6.1.1 Factors associated with knowledge

Bivariate logistic regression analysis was done to select a candidate variable at p-value ≤0.25. The
variables that showed statistically significant association (at p-value ≤0.25) in the bivariate
analysis were transferred and further analyzed in multi variable logistic regressions to adjust.
Accordingly, the result of bivariate analysis found that variables: sex, age, level of education,
service year, employment pattern, job category, guideline/protocol training, OHS
recommendation, workers right and obligation and take a regular supervision were factors related
to knowledge of workers towards safety information however, multivariate analysis revealed that
female workers were 11 times more knowledgeable than females on safety information (AOR:
11.075, 95%CI (5.28, 23.2) P<0.001). Workers who have formal education were 0.063 times more
knowledgeable than who not have formal education (AOR=0. .063, 95% CI (0.063, 0.131)
P<0.001). Workers who know right and obligation concerning work regulation related to safety
information were 0.095 more likely knowledgeable than those who didn’t know right and
obligation concerning work regulation related to safety information (AOR=0.095, 95% CI
(0.022,0.180) P<0.001).Those who are work in administrative category were 11.3 times more
likely to knowledgeable than those who work in productive category(AOR=11.37, 95% CI
(5.05,25.58) P<0.001 and those working temporarily/contract were 23.3 times more likely to
knowledgeable than those who work permanently (AOR=23.3, 95% CI (7.62,71.33) P<0.001

26
 Table 4 Bivariate and multivariate analysis of factors associated with knowledge of
workers towards safety information at HIP August 2022

Variables Knowledge P value COR (95%) AOR (95%)

Yes No
Sex Male 118 34 P<0.001 1 1
Female 114 91 2.77(1.73,4.43) * 11.07(5.28,23.2) **
Age 18-29 181 122 P<0.001 0.087(0.027,0.286) *
30+ 51 3 1
Education Non formal 22 30 P<0.001 1 1
education
Formal education 210 95 0.332(0.182,0.605) * 0.063(0.022,0.180) **
Service year ≤5 156 118 P<0.001 8.212(3.652,18.465) *
>5 76 7 1
Employment Permanent 145 27 P<0.001 1 1
pattern Temporary 87 98 6.049(3.661,9.995) * 23.3(7.62,71.33) **
Job category Administrative 101 71 0.017 0.586(0.318,0.909) * 11.37(5.05,25.58) **
Productive 131 54 1 1
Health and safety Yes 124 15 P<0.001 0.119(0.065,0.216) *
training No 108 110 1
Health and safety Yes 124 15 P<0.001 0.119(0.065,0.216) *
recommendation No 108 110 1
Workers right and Yes 184 54 P<0.001 0.198(0.123,0.319) * 0.095(0.039,0.229) **
obligation No 48 71 1 1
Presence of Yes 28 11 0.347 0.703(0.337,1.465) *
supervision No 204 114 1
*Statistically significant at 95%CI, p-value ≤0.25
** statistically significant at 95% CI, P- value ≤ 0.05; 1.00-reference; COR- Crude odds ratio, AOR-
adjusted odds ratio
27
 5. 6.1.2 Factors associated with practice of participants on safety information
Independent variables like sex, age, level of education, term of employment, job category, year of
experience, availability of safety training, safety recommendation, workers right and obligation,
presence of supervision , knowledge on PPE, was tested by binary logistic regression.
Variables with P value less than 0.25 during the bivariate analysis were included in the
multivariate logistic regression. Among them Sex, job category, safety Training, safety
recommendation, workers right and obligation, presence of supervision and knowledge on PPE
were shows association with PPE utilization. Then these all variable enter multivariable analysis
together and then female workers were 2.5 times more likely to use PPE than males. (AOR: 2.53,
95%CI (1.31, 4.9) P=0.041). Those who are work in administrative category were 2.01 times more
likely to use PPE than those who work in productive category (AOR=2.01, 95% CI (1.02, 3.61),
P=0.021). Those who are pressurized or supervision by anybody were 3 times more likely to use
PPE [AOR CI 95% 3.04(1.938, 13.106)] than who did not and who have knowledge on safety
information were about 2 times more likely to use personal protective equipment (AOR: 2.34,
95%CI (1.084, 5.062) than those who don’t have.
Table 5 Bivariate and multivariate analysis factors associated with practice of participant
on safety information at HIP August 2022
Variables PPD Usage P COR (95%) AOR (95%)
Yes No value
Sex Male 123 29 0.015* 1 1
Female 183 22 0.51(0.28,0.92) 2.53(1.31,4.9)**
Age 18-29 261 42 0.58 1.24(0.56,2.72)
30+ 45 9 1
Education Non formal 43 9 0.5 1
education
Formal education 263 42 0.76(0.34,1.67)
Service year ≤5 234 40 0.75 0.89(0.43,1.83)
>5 72 11 1
Employment pattern Permanent 145 27 0.46 0.8(0.44,1.45)
Temporary 161 24 1

28
Job category Administrative 138 34 0.005* 0.42(0.22,0.76) 2.01(1.02,3.61)**
Productive 168 17 1 1
Health and safety Yes 113 26 0.059* 1.77(0.97,3.22)
training No 193 25 1
Health and safety Yes 113 26 0.057* 0.56(0.31,1.02)
recommendation No 193 25 1
Workers right and Yes 204 34 0.93 1.2(0.53,1,87)
obligation No 102 17 1
Presence of Yes 37 2 0.013* 1 3.04(1.93, 13.10)**
supervision No 269 49 3.4(1.78, 4.42) 1
Knowledge on safety Yes 200 32 0.011* 1.12(0.62,0.95) 2.343(1.08,5.062**
information No 106 19 1
*Statistically significant at 95%CI, p-value ≤0.25
** Statistically significant at 95% CI, P- value ≤ 0.05; 1.00-reference; COR- Crude odds ratio, AOR-
adjusted odds ratio

6. DISCUSSION
In this study, from the total study subjects 69.5% knew the presence of at least one safety
sign. It showed that 82.3% of the respondents knew about danger sign and this was the
highest figure of all the other signs recognized in this study.
29
The study indicated that 81.0% of the respondents knew about warning sign which was
considerably higher as compared to the study conducted in Addis Abeba where 41% of the
respondents recognized the sign[20]. This might be due to the presence of safety signs at the
work place as confirmed by the observational check list prior to the study time.
In this study, only 72.8% of the respondents were aware about corrosive sign which was very
maximum compared to the studies conducted in five different South African countries (Malawi,
Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe) where their knowledge status on the mentioned sign
was 14%.[11] Respondents had also high knowledge status on other safety signs such as
flammable (68.9%), harmful sign (68.9%), explosive sign (69.3%), and toxic (67.4%) when
compared to the above studies have knowledge levels of flammable (67.0%), harmful sign
(14.0%), explosive sign (19.0%), and toxic (90.0%). Only on oxidizing sign have the respondents
the reverse result, which was 7.2% in this study and zero percent in other similar studies[11]
This discrepancy might be explained by the fact that as confirmed by the check list result
there was safety signs or symbols which were displayed or posted prior to the study time. It was,
which enabled the workers to know safety information. The questionnaire and observational check
list results were consistent because the majority of the data collected by using these tools.
Another explanation were the health education given for covid pandemic in different media
enforces the all individuals aware about their own work environment
It was also possible to observed that the high voltage/electrical risk knowledge level of the
respondents was 67.6%. This was due to the fact that the high voltage or electrical risk sign was
found in factory at every machine of the manufacturing room. The majority of the respondents to
this sign also were found in factory.
The study has revealed that the age variation of the workers was not statistically significant
with their knowledge level which was similar to other study carried out in nigeria[14]. In
contrast to other study conducted in malaysia, work expriance have significant association [Adj.
OR: 1.934(1.178, 3.174)] with health and safety knowledge level of the respondents and workers
who worked more than five years had better knowledge level.[13] This might be stated that as
their service year increased there might be a possibility to faced different signs.
The study also showed that educational levels showed statistical differences in the knowledge
levels of the workers. This is supported by other studies done in India[22]. In the bivariate
analysis, although there were few proportions of the respondents, those who can read and
30
write have better knowledge level than those who have diploma and above educational level. But
when it is adjusted, those who have educational levels of diploma and above were more likely to
know than the others.
In this study, health and safety training, presence of supervision, and health and safety
recommendations (legislations) did not show significant association with the knowledge of the
workers. The possible reason for this might be that the training and the supervision emphasized on
the product rather than the occupational health and safety issues.
Although there were no other works to compare, job category, employment pattern, workers right
and obligation, education have significant association (AOR: 11.3(5.05, 25.58),( AOR: 23.3(7.62,
71.33),( AOR: 0.095(0.039, 0.229) and ( AOR: 0.063(0.022, 0.180)respectively.
Among the safe practices of the workers, 85.75% used a glove that was almost similar to other
study carried out in Hong Cong on printing workers whose proportion was 75.6%[20]. Sex, job
category, knowledge status about safety information and being supplied with safety information by
supervisor or as health were the significant factor leading to safe practice after adjusting for socio
demographic factors. It is similar from other study conducted in Hong Cong that being informed of
safety precautions supervisor and being supplied with chemical information by a supervisor were
the significant factors to safe practice[12][12][14][19]
Such association emphasized the importance role played by front line workers who gave
health and safety training at the work place or those who gave recommendation by means of
labeling or direct instruction to the workers at the work place. Specific safety information
given as recommendation related directly to workers’ job and work place would likely be
more relevant in improving safe practice than general work supervision.
In this study, job category that have been supplied to the workers by different means might be
by labeling or direct instruction by immediate supervisors has a strong association with both
the knowledge level and safe practice of the workers. This association emphasized that direct
health and safety instructions at the work site would be more effective in insuring safe practice.

31
7. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
7.1 Strength of the study
1. Safety signs and symbols were used during data collection time for cross-check the
knowledge level of the respondents.
2. Triangulation methods (questionnaire, , and check list) were used to collect the data.

7.2 Limitations
1. Lack of similar studies especially in Ethiopia made difficult in comparing results.
2. Social desirability which occurs because subjects are systematically more likely to provide
a socially acceptable response.

8. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

8.1 Conclusion
To design intervention method and alleviate work related problems, it is worth to assess the
knowledge and practice of workers on safety information. So the results of this study have

32
important implications for the practice of occupational health and safety, especially in
industries or occupational groups dealing with safety information.
 The workers have good knowledge level compared to other studies although they have
faire practices on safety measures or personal protective devices usages.
 Health and safety recommendations that have been described in work places as a
direct instruction by the immediate supervisors or by different labeling had a positive effect
on both knowledge level and personal protective devices usage practices.
 Health and safety training have been identified as important factor to safe practice, but it
did not work for knowledge.
 Workers who employed in work places in which different safety signs posted were
more likely to know safety signs as well as have safe practice characteristics.
 There were no occupational health and safety committee and occupational hygienists in
factories that could join with trade unions to ask about health and safety training
programmes, accessibility of PPDs, supervise the work environment and inform the
employer for the adjustments.

8.2 Recommendations
Based on the study findings and the above conclusions the following recommendations are
forwarded.
1. Employers should give different health and safety training for workers; during first employment,
change working departments, when new machines or chemicals are brought and give safety
instructions by immediate supervisors or front line workers or by labeling on work sites.

33
 2. Different safety signs should be posted at reasonable working sites and labeled at different
materials and equipments to improve the knowledge level and safe practice of the workers.
3. Issues that describe why they use personal protective devices, how they select the appropriate
PPDs, how they practicing the safety procedures or the guidelines could be included in the safety
training topics.
4. Occupational health and safety committee should be established in the factories.
5. Further detailed studies should be done to assess the needs of the workers and the employers to
develop the appropriate programs for health and safety training and to investigate the relationship
between knowledge and practice as well as their health impacts

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www.jstor.org/stable/41857625
[2] FDRE, Labour Proclamation No. 377/2003. 2004.

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[3] G. D. Brown, “Effective protection of workers’ health and safety in global supply chains.,” Int. J.
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ANNEXES
Annex I. Participant information sheet and informed concent form
Pharma College Hawassa Campus School of Post Graduate studies Departmnet of Public
Health Written consent form to assess knowledge and practice of safety information and its
associated factors among factory workers at Hawassa Industrial Park, Sidama Region
Southern Ethiopia 2022
How are you, I am----------------------I am working at -----------------------------------------as an
--------------------------------expert. I would like to ask you a few questions about occupational
37
 health and safety labels, symbols, signs and pictograms your knowledge and attitude on them and
your practices in your work life. This will help us to improve occupational health safety and wok
environment management provided to you base on your answers to our questions. Your name
will not be written in this form and will never be used in connection with any information you
tell us. All information given by you will be kept strictly confidential. Your participation is
voluntary and you are not obligate to answer any question you do not wish to answer. IF you fill
discomfort with the interview, please fill free to drop it any time you want. This interview will
take about 30 minutes. Could I have your permission to continue?
Are you willing to participate in this study? [ ] Yes [ ] No

In case, if you have any question you can ask.

Contact address: - Adege Alemu

Cell phone: +251 996 555 371 / +251 991 188 585

Annex II English version questionnaire

No Question Possible response Skipping Code

101 Sex 1. Male 2. Female

102 Age in year ------------------years

Orthodox
Muslim
103 Religion Protestant
Catholic
Others (specify)-------------------

38
 Married
Single
104 Marital status Divorced
Widowed
Separated

105 Educational level Illiterate

Can read and write
1-8
9-12 6. Diploma (10+3 or 12+2)
Certificate
Degree and above

106 Employment pattern Permanent

Temporary/contract

107 Job category or

responsibility

108 Work experience in

years in industrial
Settings -------------------------------

109 Working hours < 8 hour

8hours
> 8 hours, specify---------------------

Part one: Socio demographic information.

39
 Part two: Knowledge on occupational safety labels, signs, symbols and pictograms.

No Question Possible answers Skipping Code

201 Do you know any occupational health and 1. Yes

safety information that can be described 2. No
i n pictures, signs, labels or other else?

Yes No

Danger signs

Warning signs

Corrosive

202 If yes in Q201, what type of information? Exit signs

Flammable

Harmful

Irritant

Explosive

Oxidizing

Toxic

High voltage

Others(specify)-------

Yes No

Danger signs

Warning signs

If the respondent answered Q202 as s/he Corrosive

knew, check it by u s i n g t h e s y m b o l s
203 Exit signs

40
 i n your hand. Flammable

Harmful

Irritant

explosive

Oxidizing

Toxic

High voltage

Others(specify)

204 1. Symbol
2. Safety color
In what ways the above information 3. Labeling
described? 4. Guide lines
5. Acoustic signal
6. Hand signal
7. Others (specify)----------

205 What types of signs are available in 1. All are available

your organization (203)? 2. Symbol
3. Safety color
4. Labeling
5. Guide line
6. Acoustic signal
7. Hand signal
8. Others (specify)

206 How do you get the 1. Training in the organization

information you mentioned? 2. Training in higher education
3. Work experience.
4. Others (specify)---------

207 Do you know fire classes? 1. Yes

2. No

208 If yes in Q206, what class? Yes No

41
 Class A

Class B

Class C

Class D

209 Are there fire extinguisher devices in the 1. Yes

organization 2. No

210 Can you implement it? 1. Yes

2. No

42
 Part three: practice

No Question Possible answers Skipping Code

Have you had any safety training in connection 1. Yes

with new employment, new equipment or other 2. No
301 changes?

1. Occupational hygienist
2. Health professionals (nurse,
302 If yes in Q301, who does give the training? sanitarian, health officer,
physician)
3. Experienced worker
4. Others (specify)---------

303 Do you practically apply the given training? 1. Yes

2. No

304 Some activities order the workers to implement 1. Yes If no skip

some recommendation, have you ever faced 2. No to Q307
such conditions?

305 If yes in Q304, what type of recommendation do Yes No

you have faced?
Wear PPE

Confined area

Toxic

Flammable

Irritant

Wash with water

Harmful

Explosive

Oxidizing

Others

43
306 Do you believe that occupational health and 1. Yes
safety should present in work places? 2. No

307 Yes No

Glove

Ear plug

What type of personal protective equipment do Respirators

you used then?
Helmets

Overalls

Goggles

Face shields

Boots

Others (specify)------------

308 Why did you use the personal protective 1. I knew the advantages
equipments? 2. Supervisors forced us to do so
3. Others (specify)------------

What are your reasons for not using personal 1. Lack of protective equipment
protective equipment? 2. Lack of safety education
309 3. Not comfortable to use them
4. Decrease work performance
5. They are creating safety and
health hazards
6. Others (specify)-----------------

310 Is there a regular supervision undertaken? 1. Yes

2. No

311 If yes in Q10, who did it? 1. Ministry of health

2. Ministry of Labour and Social
Affairs
3. Others (specify)----------

44
312 Do you know the presence of the regulation that 1. Yes
concerns the workers and their responsibilities? 2. No

313 Do you know that workers have the right and 1. Yes
obligation concerning work regulation? 2. No

314 Have you ever faced any injury or accident in the 1. Yes
past 12 months related to your works? 2. No

Yes No

Abrasion

Cut

Burn

Piercing

Fracture
If the answer is yes for Q314, what kind of Dislocation
injuries or accidents?
315 Eye injury

Ear injury

Suffocation

Electricity

Amputation

Poisoning

Others (specify)-------------

What are the causes of the injury or the accident? Yes No

Machine

Falling objects

Electricity

Splitting objects

45
 Hand tools

Fire

Acid and hot objects

Falling

Collision

Lifting heavy objects

Others (specify)---------------------

This is the end of our questionnaire. Thank you very much for taking time to answer the
questions. We appreciate your help.

46
 Annex III. Checklist for safety information

General safety

No Description Yes No Not available

1 Emergency exit sign list properly

2 Fire alarms and fire extinguishers are visible and accessible
3 Corridors and stairways are kept free of obstruction and not used for
storage

4 Are work areas free of electrical hazards? (No exposed wiring, damaged
electrical cords, or unsafe use of extension cords/ power strips)

5 Are floors dry and free of slip hazards; bench tops (including hoods)
reasonably organized and clean?

6 Do the workers know to report unsafe condition, emergencies, or

accidents?

7 Do different hazard signs posted properly in the appropriate places?

8 Do these different hazard signs easily understandable and easily visible?
Training

47
No Description Yes No Not available

9 New employees given basic safety training

10 Job specific safety training held for employees on regular base

11 Personnel familiar with applicable material safety data sheets

12 All Personnel familiar with emergency evacuation plan

13 Training documentation current and accessible

Annex IV: An International Occupational Health and Safety Signs.

No access for
pedestrians
Oxidizing agent (O) Explosive (E) Highly flammable
(F)

High voltage/
electrical hazard
Extremely Toxic (T) Very toxic (T+)
flammable (F+)

Safety helmets
must be worn
Harmful (Xn) Irritant (Xi) Corrosive (C)

General danger Ear protection Exit sign Emergency stop.

must be worn Warning sign
Adapted from: Technical Guide for Safety and Health Signs at Work[10]