Abstract:
The wood industry contributes about 11% of the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) in
most developing countries. However, woodworkers suffer from predicable but
preventable health problems as a result of their work. This study therefore assessed
the willingness and awareness to use health and safety practices among small scale
woodworkers. The study adopteddescriptivesurvey design involving the
administration of questionnaire to 50 small scale woodworkers. Data collected was
analysed using SPSS and presented with descriptive statistics. The findings of the
study indicated that the woodworkers were ignorant of the basic working environment
safety practices. The respondents were unaware of obligatory use of personal
protective equipment. Management of the various woodworkshops failed to provide
vital safety and health equipment. There were lack of adequate supervision at various
woodworkshops hence there were no strict adherence to health and safety rules at the
workshop. However, the respondents were willing to adopt health and safety
practices. The study recommended measures that may be adopted to create awareness
and encouragewoodworkers to willingly use health and safety equipment to ensure
good health in the West Gonja district.
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of CONSTRUCTION AND WOOD
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION, Faculty of TECHNICAL EDUCATION, submitted
to the School of Graduate Studies, University of Education, Winneba in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for award of the Master of Technology Education
(Wood Technology) degree