Evaluation of the Effect of Working Hours on Haematological Parameters among Cement Loaders in Port-Harcourt

Abstract

Cement dust exposures has been reported to result in significant occupational health problems and long term complications and symptoms. This study was aimed at assessing the impact of work hours on haematological parameters of cement workers. 100 cement loaders were selected in a simple random technique from cement site and depot in Port Harcourt who have worked for at least 3months. The subjects were divided into three groups based on work hours: Group 1 which comprised 27 subjects composed of subjects with 1-5 work hours; Group 2 which had 62 subjects were subjects with 6-10 works hours; Group 3 which had 11 subjects were subjects with more than 10 work hours. Blood collected in EDTA using venipuncture method was assayed for full blood count (FBC) using haematology analyzer and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) using Westergreen method. The results were statistically compared among the groups for test of significance using ANOVA. ESR levels among the groups were not significant (p=0.9812). WBC levels among the groups were not significant (p=0.1289). RBC levels among the classes were statistically non-significant (p=0.1038). Hb level among the classes was statistically non-significant (p=0.3408). MCV level among the classes was not significant (p=0.6768). MCH level among the classes was not significant (p=0.7109). MCHC level among the classes was statistically non-significant (p=0.9776). PLT level among the classes was not significant (p=0.9776). MPV level among the classes was not significant (p=0.1759). Lymphocyte level among the classes was not significantly different (p=0.5882). Neutrophil level among the classes was not significantly different (p=0.2244). Eosinophil level among the classes was significantly different (p=0.0544). Basophil level among the classes was not significantly different (p=0.2213). Monocyte level among the classes was not significantly different (p=0.9977). This study has shown that working hours does not have any significant effect on haematological parameters among cement loaders in Port Harcourt.