E.S. ODJIMOGHO

Background: Welding is central to Nigeria’s economic development, supporting sectors like construction, manufacturing, and automobile repair. These processes also generate a reasonable occupational risks. Although protective ocular goggles reduced these risks, adherence among welders is inconsistent, for example, in informal sectors such as Ikpoba- Okha and Ovia North-East LGAs of Edo State, where safety regulations are weakly enforced. Purpose: This study assessed welders’ awareness of ocular hazards, the extent and consistency of use of goggle, influencing factors, and the prevalence of welding-related eye injuries in the study areas. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving 90, practitioners and apprentice welders aged between 18 to 55 years with at least four years of experience. Participants were recruited through systematic sampling. Data Analysis: Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics summarized awareness and practice. Chi-square tests assessed associations between use of goggle with variables such as age, education, prior injury, and training. Logistic regression identified aof consistent goggle use, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Findings revealed high awareness of ocular hazards (98.6%) but with inconsistent usage of googles: 47.5% always, 22.6% sometimes, and 29.9% rarely. Determinants of compliance of protective goggles included age, education, history of injury, affordability, quality, availability of goggles, and training. Contribution to Knowledge: This study highlighted a persistent gap between knowledge and practice which underscored the need for multifaceted interventions such as high-quality goggles, structured training, and stronger regulatory enforcement.