Workers in bakeries face many hazards in their work environment; hazards have the potential for causing injury or illness. They should be instructed on how to avoid or prevent potential health problems and be properly trained to follow recommended work safety. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the occupational health program on prevention of health problems related to occupational hazards among bakery workers in Benha City. Design: A quasi experimental design was used. Setting: This study was conducted at bakeries in Benha City. Sample: All workers in the 10 bakeries randomly chosen out of 93 bakeries were included as study sample to collect data. Tools: Two tools were used for data collection I- An interviewing questionnaire designed to collect data about demographic characteristics of workers, self reported health problems of the workers during last 6 months, occupational health hazards facing the workers and the workers’ knowledge about health problems related to occupational hazards and their prevention at bakeries. II- Observational checklist designed to evaluate (a) Bakeries environment, (b) Safety measures, and (c) Bakery workers’ practices to provide first aid for emergency situation. Results: They revealed that the majority of bakery workers did not receive training courses about occupational safety, bakery workers had more than one health problems as common cold, eye inflammation back pain, and headache, most of them had poor knowledge regarding health problems and their prevention related to occupational hazards and were facing excessive heat and noise as regular problems. Conclusion: This study concluded that, the bakery workers had poor knowledge regarding health problems related to occupational hazards and their prevention before the program; however, their knowledge was improved after the program implementation. Statistically significant differences were detected regarding all items of first aid between before and after the program. Recommendations: Continues of occupational health program to all workers at bakeries to upgrade their knowledge and practice for prevention of health problems related to occupational hazards, it includes the following: Training courses about occupational hazards, health problems and their prevention, safety measure, using personal protective devices and first aid. In addition, regular periodic screening for all bakeries workers is very important.
Occupational Hazards: Prevention of Health Problems among Bakery Workers in Benha City. Journal of American Science 2011; 7(X): X-X].(ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.americanscience.org
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