DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000049423 ISSN: 0025-7974

Assessment of occupational injury and associated factors among Awash Wine Beverage Factory workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Mequanente Dagnaw, Meera Indracanti, Yordanos Kinfe, S. Hari Priya, Suleyman Mohammed Arage

Occupational injury is a major public health and workplace safety problem in manufacturing industries. In Ethiopia, the magnitude of occupational injury among beverage factory workers ranges from 20.9% to 44.66%. Uncontrolled occupational injuries can lead to permanent disability, reduced work capacity, psychological stress, loss of income, decreased productivity, and death. These injuries also impose economic burdens on workers, families, industries, and the national healthcare system and negatively affect quality of life and community stability. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of occupational injury and its associated factors among workers at the Awash Wine Beverage Factory in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2024. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 279 randomly selected workers from 3 branches of the Awash Wine Beverage Factory. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and a workplace observation checklist. Data were entered into EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using STATA 15.1 (Stata Corp LLC). Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed. Variables with P  < .25 in bivariate analysis were included in multivariable logistic regression. A P -value of <.05 at a 95% confidence interval (CI) was considered statistically significant. The prevalence of occupational injury within the previous 12 months was 43 (15.9%; 95% CI: 11.8%–19.9%), while injuries in the 2 weeks before data collection were 14 (5.2%; 95% CI: 2.6%–8.1%). Workers with ≤5 years of work experience were more likely to sustain injuries (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.86; 95% CI: 1.72–20.10). Not using personal protective equipment (PPE; AOR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.02–2.23) and working at heights (AOR = 8.69; 95% CI: 5.94–8.85) were also more likely to sustain injuries. In addition, lack of regular health and safety supervision was significantly associated with injury (AOR = 5.9; 95% CI: 1.77–19.62). Occupational injury remains a serious concern among Awash Wine Beverage Factory workers. Short work experience, lack of PPE use, unsafe working conditions, and poor safety supervision were significantly associated variables. Strengthening safety training, improving PPE utilization, enhancing workplace conditions, and ensuring regular supervision are essential to reduce injuries and improve worker safety and productivity.

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