Evaluation of occupational safety and health amongst workers in filling stations/ fuel depots in Yaounde and characterization of the associated family health risk

Abstract

Workers around the world are faced with various kinds of workplace hazards including but not limited to psychosocial, biological, physical, and chemical agents. Occupational safety and health is a critical issue in the workplace, particularly in industries that involve hazardous materials or processes. Filling stations and fuel depots are one of such industries where workers may be exposed to various occupational hazards. Therefore, the objective of this research is to evaluate occupational safety and health (OSH) of workers in the various filling stations/fuel depots in Yaounde involved in the manipulation of petrochemical agents and to characterize the associated family health risk. To achieve this, Structured questionnaires were developed and administered on-site to collect data on demographic characteristics, hazard exposure, safety practices, and health outcomes from 130 workers with or without direct exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC) specifically the benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) group of compounds. Additionally, 520 air samples from ATEX zones and offices were collected (by whole air sampling) from 25 filling stations and a fuel depot (the worst-case scenario) and at various distances (0.5m,1m,1.5m, and 2m) from the refuelling pump every day for two weeks by a portable pump gas detector and analysed on-site. Risk assessment was performed for each of the selected filling stations and fuel depots using document 252274895/Risk Assessments for Petrol Filling Station guidance’s template. Results showed that most of the survey participants were married (77/130; 59.2%); age range: 31-58 years old, and mainly males (94/130; 72.3%). The survey findings revealed the most prevalent symptoms of BTEX exposure including fatigue (100%), headache (96.2%), cough/hoarseness (73.1%), burning eyes (73.1%), and dizziness (57.7%). Moderate symptoms such as burning nose/congestion (42.3%), sleeplessness (42.3%), and muscle weakness (53.8%), and less frequent but concerning symptoms like tight chest (15.4%), tachycardia (19.2%), anemia (7.7%), and unconsciousness (7.7%). In addition, 23(17.7%) of the study population testified of miscarriage and the analysis of air samples revealed high levels of BTEX, average benzene levels ranged from 7.63 ppm to 14.21 ppm, with peaks up to 19.64 ppm, toluene and xylene concentrations also varied significantly, with maximum values reaching 19.71 ppm and 31.70 ppm, respectively. In summary, the findings of this research indicate a high prevalence of adverse health symptoms among workers, including fatigue, headaches, respiratory irritation, and dizziness, with severe effects such as tachycardia, anemia, and miscarriages being reported. The elevated BTEX concentrations in air samples, often exceeding safety thresholds, reinforce the direct link between occupational exposure and the observed health outcomes.