Introduction

The hierarchy of workplace hazard control is a step-by-step framework that prioritizes controls in a specific order. It begins with higher-level measures, such as elimination (complete hazard removal), substitution (replacing hazards with safer alternatives), engineering controls (modifying the environment to protect workers), and administrative controls (establishing safety protocols and training). These measures are designed to eliminate, reduce, or manage hazards at their source. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is considered a last resort when higher-level controls are impractical or insufficient [1]. Personal protective equipment (PPE) are special gears or apparatus designed to safeguard the user against potential occupational health risks. It comprises equipment, such as safety helmets, hard hats, face masks, gloves, eye protection, boots, ear plugs, high-visibility clothes, safety footwear, and safety harnesses. PPE utilization is essential for preventing occupational injuries and illnesses caused by workplace risk factors and stressors. Studies show that wearing PPE at all times could help reduce workplace accidents [2, 3], and could contribute to the national economy through increased productivity, job motivation, product quality, job satisfaction, and overall worker and societal quality. However, the utilization of PPE by employees is affected by socioeconomic status, behavioral, and workplace factors [4].

Unfortunately, millions of people in productive age groups work in uncomfortable and risky conditions around the world as a result of inappropriate or inadequate PPE use [5, 6]. It continues to be one of the leading causes of work-related deaths and disabilities [7]. Research findings showed that factory workers could lack adequate information about protective precautions and be less aware of the safety risks resulting from multiple activities in their workplaces [4, 8–10]. Globally, 1.7 billion workers in different service sectors are at high risk of occupational hazards. Failure to use PPE that was available at the time of the accident is reported to be responsible for 34% of occupational accidents [11]. Likewise, improper PPE use could account for up to 13% of occupational hazards [12]. According to Takala et al, the leading causes of death associated with improper utilization of PPE in the workplaces of developing countries are cancer (32%), circulatory disorders (23%), communicable diseases (17%), and occupational accidents (18%) [7]. According to a study by Baye et al, using PPE and following safety protocols can prevent more than 90% of workplace injuries [2].

Ethiopia is a member of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and accepted conventions governing the health and safety of factory workers in 1923 [6]. ILO signatory nations ratified Convention No. 155/1981 on occupational safety and health to have national occupational safety and health policy [9, 13]. Ethiopian Labor Proclamation No. 377/2003 declares the right of labor and detailed employers obligations [14]. Under the proclamation, employers must take precautionary measures ranging from instructing or informing employees about the risks of their specific jobs to providing them with appropriate protective tools and safety equipment. Various organizations in Ethiopia promote employee engagement in occupational health and safety [8]. However, there is no noticeable responsibility for the flow of work, concise collaboration, or direct responsibility for employees safety [9]. This implies that the documents were shelved in the ministry of social and labor affairs. In addition, there is lack of comprehensive national strategy for workplace safety and health for industry workers in the country. As a result, occupational morbidity, disability, and death without the utilization of PPE have become public health concerns [15, 16]. In Ethiopia, only a small percentage of workers, ranging from 5% to 10%, have appropriate occupational health services at their workplaces [17].

Although several studies have been carried out in Ethiopia to investigate the levels of PPE utilization, the results of these studies differ widely among industry workers [18–23]. Some of the findings indicated good progress in the rate of PPE utilization, whereas others highlighted the awkward aspect. Furthermore, educated worker are believed to learn how to effectively utilize PPE to safeguard their health and well-being in the workplace. That is why education and awareness creation are among the 16 packages encompassed in the Ethiopian health extension packages [24]. In spite of all, previous findings concerning the influence of education on PPE utilization remain inconsistent and contradicting [25–27], which underscores the need for further investigation.

The aim of this paper is, therefore, to develop a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol for the estimation of the pooled magnitude of PPE utilization and its relationship with educational level among industry workers in Ethiopia. The final output at the national level will provide a more reliable overall figure both preceding and following the COVID-19 pandemic. It will provide a valuable insight for decision-makers in assessing the country’s stance on PPE utilization and shaping policies related to PPE use in industrial settings. Publishing this review protocol is important for lessening the influence of biases from the authors, enhancing the transparency of methods and processes, minimizing duplication, and enabling peer review of the proposed methods.

Methodology

Quality assessment and data extraction

Duplicate records from all database search results will be removed using reference management software (EndNote X7). Four reviewers (SAD, CD, EAD, and YMT) will assess the titles and abstracts, and exclude records that do not meet our criteria. The Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) will be employed for the objective assessment of papers [29]. A standardized data extraction format will be used by two independent reviewers to extract the data (SAD and CD). The data extraction spread sheet will include primary author name, year of publication, study period (before and after the COVID 19), study setting, type of industry, study design, sample size, study period, number of sample size, response rate, PPE use (Yes/No), educational status (educated/ no formal education), quality of the paper result, people who are using PPE and educated, people who are using PPE and are not educated, people who are not using PPE and educated, and people who are not using PPE and are not educated. When there is disagreement between reviewers, it will be discussed with the other members of the review team until an agreement is reached. A third reviewer will be called upon to address any discrepancies between the two independent reviewers. PRISMA flow diagram will be used to show the review process of the studies (Fig 1).

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Fig 1. PRISIMA flow diagram of studies to be identified.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299957.g001

Discussion

Numerous studies conducted in Ethiopia have sought to determine the extent of PPE use among industry workers. Nevertheless, the results of these studies have been debated and inconclusive. The compilation and synthesis of evidence represent a crucial step toward gaining a clearer understanding of the influence of education on PPE use. In our review and meta-analysis, we will determine the pooled magnitude of PPE usage among industry workers across Ethiopia and investigate the influence of educational status on the use of PPE.

To enhance feasibility, the protocol plan intends to conduct searches without restricting the type of industry, workers, PPE types, the COVID-19 period, educational status, and the frequency and duration of PPE use, thereby minimizing the risk of overlooking relevant studies on PPE use among industry workers. This will also ensure the retrieval of as many studies as possible. Additionally, language restriction is incorporated into this protocol to international libraries and databases. Through our preliminary search on PubMed, we have identified over 26,000 studies concerning PPE use in the industry (S1 File). Therefore, our search strategy, inclusion criteria, and selection of databases are structured to ensure the feasibility of conducting a systematic review.

Supporting information