Prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among construction workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among building construction workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 licensed building construction companies in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. A multi-stage sampling was used to recruit 809 study participants. Data was collected using face to face interview and observational checklist. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. A total of 683 (84.7%) respondents reported occupational injuries during the past 12 months giving an overall annual prevalence rate of 847 injuries per 1000 construction workers. Of the total 683 injured respondents, 74 (10.8%) were hospitalized. The odds of injuries were two times higher among males when compared with females (OR=2.17, 95%CI (1.47-3.19). Not having job satisfaction increased the odds of occupational injuries by about four folds as compared to those who are satisfied with their job (OR = 4.82, 95% CI (2.75-8.46). Working for more than 48 h per week, lack of vocational trainings, not using of personal protective equipment had significantly contributed to the higher risks of occupational injuries.   Key words: Construction, injury, health, occupational safety, prevalence.