Occupational Hazards and Safety of Sawmill Operators in Ogbese Ondo State, Nigeria

This study examined the hazards and safety procedures adopted by sawmill operators in Ogbese, Ondo State, Nigeria. Data were collected through the administration of a set of structured questionnaire to examine the hazards associated with sawmill operators and safety practices adopted. Thirty (30) operators were purposively selected and administered with the questionnaire. Analysis was done using descriptive and correlation statistics. Findings, among others, revealed that sawmill operators do not have the required health safety gadgets needed to secure them from various hazards associated with their operations. Environmental pollutions, such as, smoke from burning sawdust, noise from heavy machinery in the industries, heavy trucks that carried sliced wood, solid and liquid wastes which caused nuisance to the environment posed serious health challenges to the operators and residents in the environment. The study proffered policy statements that could enhance the health and safety of sawmill operators and improve the environment.