Health Risks among Tannery Industry Workers and Underpinning Determinants in Mojo Industry, Ethiopia

Abstract This study analyzed the disease incidence rate among leather industry workers and underpinning drivers in the Mojo industry Town. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using a multistage sampling technique. The data was gathered primarily from employee surveys and key informant interviews. The data were examined by descriptive statistics and negative binomial regression. The result revealed that workers working in traditional tanneries experienced significantly higher rates of disease compared to those in modern facilities (IRR ≈ 1.33). Male workers experienced lower rates of disease compared to their female counterparts (IRR ≈ 0.64), and increasing age was associated with a slight rise in illness frequency (IRR ≈ 1.02). Laborers (IRR ≈ 1.30) and supervisors (IRR ≈ 2.56) reported substantially higher illness rates than chemical handlers. In contrast, having 7–8 hours of sleep (IRR ≈ 0.39), regular use of protective equipment (IRR ≈ 0.83), and having good knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of occupational health and safety (IRR ≈ 0.43) were associated with a reduced number of disease frequency. The study found that disease incidence among tannery workers is significantly influenced by work environment, behavioral risk factors, and occupational health knowledge. The federal government should implement mandatory modernizing traditional tanneries, employees' annual health checkups, adequate health insurance provisions, and encourage a healthy and safe culture through public awareness efforts. Tailored interventions for laborers and other high-risk groups should be prioritized to mitigate occupational stress and its related health consequences.