American Journal of Health Research 2018; 6(2): 37-43 http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ajhr doi: 10.11648/j.ajhr.20180602.11 ISSN: 2330-8788 (Print); ISSN: 2330-8796 (Online) Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception of Potential Occupational Hazards by Automobile Workers in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria Olaiya Paul Abiodun 1 , Samson Olusegun Aturaka 2 , Okareh Oladapo 3 , Justin Nwofe 4 , Abiodun Abiola 5 , Omotola Olushola 6 , Omotola Teniola 6 1 Department of Public Health, Central University of Nicaragua, Guyana, South America 2 Department of Public Health, Texila American University, Guyana, South America 3 Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria 4 Department of Public Health, University of South Wale, Wales, United Kingdom 5 Department of Medical Laboratory Services, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria 6 Department of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom Email address: To cite this article: Olaiya Paul Abiodun, Samson Olusegun Aturaka, Okareh Oladapo, Justin Nwofe, Abiodun Abiola, Omotola Olushola, Omotola Teniola. Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception of Potential Occupational Hazards by Automobile Workers in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. American Journal of Health Research. Vol. 6, No. 2, 2018, pp. 37-43. doi: 10.11648/j.ajhr.20180602.11 Received: October 25, 2017; Accepted: January 6, 2018; Published: March 15, 2018 Abstract: The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and perception of Automobile workers on the occupational hazards in their workplaces and to identify their attitudes and safety practices towards protecting themselves from these hazards. A descriptive cross- sectional design and stratified sampling technique were utilized to identify the automobile workers/respondents. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection and it covered areas like social demographics, knowledge and perception of potential hazards, attitude and safety practices employed by both Automobile Mechanics (AMs) and Automobile Spray Painters (ASPs) to avoid hazards. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Findings showed that there was statistically significant association between level of knowledge, attitude, perception of spray painters and mechanics based on their level of education. Also there was statistically significant association between level of knowledge, attitude, perception of spray painters and mechanics based on their work experience in relation to safety measures (p<0.05). However, there was no statistical significant difference in the knowledge of spray painters and mechanics about PPE as it can be generally rated poor (<50%), P>0.05). The p value for each of the tested parameter (>0.05) also shows clearly that there was no significant difference in the knowledge of both the Automobile spray printer and the Mechanics. There is need for regular training on safety guidelines and enforcement of standard/universal safety practices by automobile workers so as to reduce potential occupational hazards. Keywords: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Automobile Mechanics (AMs), Automobile Spray Painters (ASPs) 1. Introduction The cost of labor is very cheap and this is due level of poverty is high in developing countries such as Nigeria. Proper occupational hygiene and pollution control methods are often neglected at worksites [1]. The garage operators also known as Automobile Mechanics (AMs) and Automobile Spray Painters (ASPs) are low-income earners with little or no basic education and limited knowledge of modern technology to operate effectively [2]. Automobile