PREVALENCE OF OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS AND SAFETY PRACTICES AMONG TAXI DRIVERS IN RIVERS STATE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Occupational hazards are inherent in many professions, with driving being one of the most hazardous. Taxi drivers, in particular, face numerous health risks due to their work conditions. This study investigates the prevalence of occupational hazards and the safety practices among taxi drivers in Rivers State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was utilized, with a sample size of 600 taxi drivers selected through multi-stage sampling procedures. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean scores, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that taxi drivers in Rivers State are significantly exposed to various occupational hazards. Physical hazards include exposure to high levels of noise, extreme temperatures, and whole-body vibrations. Chemical hazards encompass exposure to dust, fumes, and gases, while biological hazards involve infections and insect bites. The study also identified a mix of positive and negative safety practices among drivers. Positive practices included regular vehicle maintenance and adherence to speed limits, while negative practices involved speeding, disregarding traffic signals, and engaging in unofficial races. The study concludes that there is a critical need for comprehensive safety programs tailored to taxi drivers in Rivers State. These programs should focus on increasing awareness of occupational hazards, promoting safe driving behaviors, and ensuring regular vehicle maintenance. Enhanced collaboration between government agencies and transport unions is essential to implement and enforce policies that enhance road safety and protect the health of taxi drivers.
Keywords: Occupational hazards, safety practices, taxi drivers
