The International Labour Organization reports that a worker dies every 15 seconds due to work-related injuries worldwide. The aim was to determine the factors affecting workers’ injury reduction practices using the constructs of the Health Belief Model. The researchers employed a cross sectional descriptive study design. The Anambra State Ministry of Health, Ethical Review Board, approved the research protocol. A 36-item semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and an observation checklist were the instruments for data collection. Majority of the respondents 618 (97.5) were males; the age group 21-40 were 317 (65.8%). Majority, 497(78.6) of the respondents had four or less years of experience at their jobs. Most of the respondents 594 (93.7%) believed that their current job is hazardous (high perceived severity), yet only 141 (22.2%) used protective equipment all the time. Majority, 587 (92.6%) of respondents have had at least 1 job-related injury within the past year and 439 (74.8%) were absent from work due to the injury. Majority 602 (95%) believed that they are likely to develop a job-related health issue (high perceived susceptibility), while 315 (49.7%) fear they will likely lose their job, 432 (68.1%) said they know a predecessor who was injured at work, 423 (97.9%) believed the injury was preventable (cues to action). Comparison of hazard exposure and level of Private Protective Equipment (PPE) use was significant (Chi-square 364.771; p< 0.001). Workers’ high- perceived susceptibility to workplace injury did not translate to consistent use of protective equipment. Periodic injury prevention trainings (increasing perceived benefits of PPE use) and providing incentives for consistent PPE use could motivate workers to take appropriate action.

Keywords : Workplace Safety; Hazards; Safety Policy; Hazard Exposure; PPE Use; Safety Practices.