Occupational hazards associated with catering profession: A case study of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria
Date
2026-01
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Federal University of Technlogy, Owerri
Abstract
The catering industry is associated with high levels of work-related injuries and diseases due to exposure to various occupational hazards. This study assessed the occupational hazards associated with caterers in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of one hundred and thirty-nine (139) caterers were sampled for the study. Most of the respondents were female 84 (60.4%), while 46% were between the ages of 13–24 years. Sixty-two percent had worked for one to five years in either hotels (65.4%) or fast-food restaurants (34.5%). Half of the respondents (50%) had secondary education, while 43.2% had tertiary education. A multistage sampling technique was employed for the study. Nnewi North is stratified into four zones namely: Otolo, Nnewichi, Uruagwu and Umudim. Hotels and restaurants were further stratified into three categories: three/four-star hotels (mid-range service), one/two-star hotels (budget/limited service), and fast-food restaurants. Systematic random sampling was used to select establishments from each category, while simple random sampling was used to select two participants (chefs/bakers and stewards/waiters) from each establishment. The findings revealed that caterers in Nnewi North Local Government Area had a significant level of knowledge about occupational hazards and safety practices. Eighty-two percent of the respondents reported having the required personal protective equipment, including protective clothing (41.3%), hand gloves (27.1%), and footwear (23.4%). However, some caterers did not adhere to specific work procedures due to pressure to complete tasks(50.0%) and lack of interest in using protective measures (35.4%). Additionally, 73% reported that work pressure affects their safety culture, while 78% were not satisfied with the health and safety practices in their workplaces. The study also revealed a significant (p<0.05) positive attitude of caterers toward occupational hazard prevention and adherence to safety practices. Further research is recommended to determine the major causes of work-related injuries and diseases in the catering industry in Nnewi North Local Government Area to support the development of effective occupational health and safety management system.
Description
This thesis is for the award of Master of Public Health (MPH) in Public Health
Keywords
Occupational hazards, caterers, safety practices, food service workers, personal protective equipment, Department of Public Health, occupational health
Citation
Chukwumah, O. T. (2026). Occupational hazards associated with catering profession: A case study of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria [Unpublished Master's Thesis]. Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria