We know the hazards in our work Perception of occupational health problems among informal automobile artisans in Nigeria

This study explores the perception of informal automobile artisans in Nigeria of the nature, severity, and causation of the occupational health problems (OHPs) they are exposed to daily. It also explores the artisans’ perception of the preventability and the treatment pathways for OHPs. Using a mixed-method sequential exploratory research design, 43 artisans were purposively interviewed in-depth for the qualitative phase, while a questionnaire was administered to 632 respondents in the quantitative phase. The analysis reveals that the artisans identified many injuries (such as wounds, bruises, and cuts) and illnesses (such as headaches, malaria, pains and stress) which were perceived to have either minor, serious and/or very serious consequences. Minor OHPs were perceived as an unavoidable part of their work, while serious OHPs were mostly perceived to be caused by characteristics of the job or the individual workers. Very serious OHPs were perceived as being elicited by unavoidable preternatural forces, destiny, or “amuwa Olorun” (God’s will). The artisans’ perception of OHPs’ causes influenced their perception of preventability and the treatment pathways. Statistical analysis showed that workers who manually lift heavy items or orally suck petrol regularly are more likely to report illnesses/injuries. Furthermore, the higher the artisans’ risk perception, the more likely the artisan is to use personal protective equipment. The study concludes that an in-depth understanding of informal workers’ perception of the daily hazards they are exposed to at work is an important factor to be taken into account when attempting to improve occupational safety and health in developing countries.