Occupational safety and pesticides hazard among agro input dealers in oyo state, Nigeria

A survey on the knowledge based, location and safety provision of agrochemical dealers in Oyo state was reviewed. Survey research techniques using questionnaires was employed for the collection of data. As many Questionnaires as the numbers of dealers per zone were distributed in each of the 4 zones. Univarite analysis involving the use of simple percentage was used to analyze the data and the results were presented in different types of charts. The results showed that most of the dealers (91) did not go through any formal training, though they are aware of the hazard associated with their business but only few have sales office different from where they display and sell the chemicals, which exposed them to hazard from the smell of the chemical. Technical knowledge was also limited, critical area that required adequate knowledge was also lacking. Most of the dealers need more training on hazard classification and first aid treatment. It is therefore recommended that specialized training should be organized by the association leaderships, Agrochemical companies, Regulating Agencies and other input related agencies to improve the knowledge base of the dealers so that they can prevent hazard and give both advisory and first aid information to the end users.