Sawudatu Hamidu

Second Community Service

On Tuesday, 18 June, 2024, I undertook my second community service in the Trom and Ogome localities of Somanya township to address the need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in car spraying shops. I believe it was a laudable initiative, particularly within the realm of environment and public health. The issue of inadequate PPE in these establishments jeopardizes the health and safety of workers. As an advocate for both environmental conservation and public health, I took notice of this menace several times on my way to and from lectures. Upon my visit to these shops, I realized that not only did they lack these equipment, but also they had little regard for the few they possessed in the shops and hence their refusal to use them. I tried to bring them up to speed on the usefulness of the equipment and the dangers associate with the lack of same. I pointed out to them that the absence of proper PPE in car spraying shops poses immediate health risks to workers who are exposed to hazardous chemicals on a daily basis. Without adequate protection such as gloves, masks, and eye shields, these individuals face heightened risks of respiratory illnesses, skin disorders, cardiovascular disease, and eye injuries. By addressing this gap through my community service, I not only enhance the safety of these workers but also contribute to the overall improvement of public health in the Trom and Ogome locality. Moreover, from an environmental perspective, I let them know that the improper handling of chemicals due to inadequate PPE can lead to contamination of air, soil, and water resources. Chemicals used in car spraying operations, if not controlled or managed properly, can contribute to air pollution and soil degradation, affecting both local ecosystems and community health. They told me after the sessions that they had learned a lot and would use the few protective equipment that they had. They also promised to acquire more. With this promise made, I informed them of my intent to revisit their shops to see the headways made and to assist in any way possible as far as how to use the PPEs is concerned. My decision to undertake community service focusing on the provision of Personal Protective Equipment in car spraying shops aligns perfectly with my program area of environment and public health. It was of an interest to me also because my father is into car spraying operation, and I have always been enlightening him on this issue. This initiative serves as a testament to my commitment to fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment, where the well-being of individuals and the integrity of ecosystems are prioritized and protected.