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Uduma Emmanuel Ogbonnia, Agbo Dorathy Chinelo, Nweke Joseph, Item Victor Kelechi, Okpara Daniel
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DOI:10.17265/2161-623X/2026.06.006
Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo, Nigeria
Work-related health hazards arising from environmental, ergonomic, and occupational factors among teachers and researchers in Nigerian academic institutions have long been neglected. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and nature of such hazards among teaching staff in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey was conducted across three educational zones, involving 12 schools selected through convenience sampling from tertiary, secondary, and basic education levels. A total of 200 teachers and researchers were sampled using simple random sampling, with 150 valid responses received (75% response rate). Data were collected using a 43-item questionnaire comprising open-ended, closed-ended, contingency, and matrix-type questions. Frequencies and percentages were computed to summarize responses. The results revealed that 88% of respondents held professional teaching qualifications and had over two years of teaching experience. However, 98% reported experiencing work-related ailments linked to ergonomic issues (e.g., uncomfortable furniture), teaching aids, occupational safety deficiencies, and poor physical and social environments. Specifically, 62% reported persistent health issues, 76% attributed health problems to school furniture, 86% suffered from work-related stress due to workload, 82% reported the absence of fire extinguishers in their schools, and 89% lacked training in fire-fighting device operation. Based on these findings, the study recommends that government, policymakers, and educational stakeholders integrate teacher health and safety into Nigeria's occupational health and safety management standards, with particular attention to Ebonyi State.
occupational health hazards, ergonomic risks, teacher safety, work-related stress, school environment
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