EFFECTS OF HEAT ON FULL BLOOD COUNT AND ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE OF BAKERY WORKERS IN OWO, ONDO STATE
Abstract
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has identified indoor industries at risk of experiencing heat-related illnesses due to the presence of heat-generating appliances; these include bakeries, kitchens, laundries, and furnaces. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is the rate of sedimentation of Red blood cells and is used often as a nonspecific measure in monitoring disease activity and assisting in the diagnosis of many inflammatory disorders. Haematological studies are of ecological and physiological interest in helping to understand the relationship of blood characteristics to the environment. This study was aimed to assess the effects of heat-stress on haematological parameters and erythrocyte sedimentation rates of bakery workers in Owo, Ondo State Nigeria. It was a cross-sectional study, involving laboratory analysis, and which lasted for a period of 3 months. A total of 60 Male and female bakery workers aged between 18 and 65 years with 1 or more years of working experience were recruited for this study. Full blood count estimation was carried out using manually and the efficiency of the method was confirmed using haematological analyzer (Sysmex-2000) and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was carried out using Westergren method. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 28. ESR was found to be low among subject (2.13±1.28) compare to (10.05±4.95), RBC was high (6.708±2.08) compared to (5.46±1.12), HB was found to be moderate (15.53±2.24) compared to (15.31±1.82) of the control group with no significant statistical different among all the parameters Finding from this study concluded that working under high temperatures negatively affected health of bakery workers with reports of heat stress related symptoms and also affected Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and some haematological parameters with significant statistical p-value. A comprehensive and effective national occupational health and safety program that includes relevant policies, decrees, and proper enforcement is needed to ensure the worker’s safety and health both in the formal and the fast-growing informal sectors.
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