ABSTRACT:
Quarry workers worldwide face significant yet underreported health risks from chronic dust exposure. This study assessed occupational health knowledge, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and self-reported health outcomes among 343 workers at three major Nigerian quarries (Archinwamgboko, Umuaghara, and Enyadiloqu) over a five-month period (May–September 2025). Structured questionnaires captured hazard awareness, PPE practices, health symptoms, and safety improvement suggestions. Results revealed substantial knowledge gaps: only 13% (n=45) of workers were aware of general health risks, 13% (n=45) knew about specific pollutants, 7% (n=24) recognized dust-related health effects, 14% (n=48) were aware of exposure limits, and just 4% (n=21) had received formal occupational health training. PPE use was low: face masks (35%, n=120), gloves (2%, n=7), goggles (10%, n=34), protective clothing (6%, n=21), and safety boots (6%, n=21). High prevalence of health symptoms was reported: skin irritation (85%, n=292), respiratory symptoms (83%, n=285), eye irritation (77%, n=264), and hearing loss (73%, n=250). Workers strongly recommended enhanced training (79%, n=271), improved PPE provision (96%, n=329), dust control measures (92%, n=316), and regular health monitoring (96%, n=329). These findings reveal a substantial gap between awareness and protective practices, underscoring the urgent need for integrated interventions. These include comprehensive training, consistent PPE provision, dust mitigation strategies, and routine medical surveillance to safeguard quarry workers and strengthen occupational health management in Nigeria and similar contexts.