1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Abattoir is derived from the French name which is commonly known as a slaughter house in the United States and much of the English speaking world. A slaughter house is a place where animals are butchered for food; it is very unpleasant but necessary because of our modem human food chain is connected with it. Through criticism of slaughter house do arises from time to time.

Slaughter house are tightly regulated by the government to day, but this was not always the case. In the 19th century, some cities began enacting sanitation reform to try and clean up slaughter houses and individual butchers, who dumped animal remains in nearby water system and let the blood run out in the street. Eventually, strict government regulations further sanitized slaughter houses to the point where today they are relatively clean considering the work done there.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Obviously, the level of maintenance of hygiene in abattoir is very poor. Improper management and non health education was being given to abattoir workers on the importance of good hygiene practices.

Worker with rough hands and legs go to the slaughter house to slaughter meat. The implication of this is spread of disease to man. During these processes meat get contaminated by meat handlers.

There were blockage in some part of the drains, within the abattoir, and this will form the breeding ground for flies, rats and other germs found in the environment. Improper management of abattoir is another problem in the environment. Workers in the abattoir practices poor personal hygiene that is putting on dirty clothes which remains from months to month without being washed. They do not wash their hands before and after the toilet and their finger nails are long and not clean.

Also poor environmental sanitation is another problem in which indiscriminately, dumping of refuse provides opportunities for flies breeding and food for scavengers.

1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

It is the researchers hope that the findings of this project will bring about better attention for workers in this abattoir and other related occupations. This study will also help to intensified the action of safety officers towards adequate health education at all stages of the production processes the improvement of working standards through organized control of those factors in our working environment which tends to exercise deleterious effect on man’s physical development, health and survival. This will in no doubt reduce ill-health among members of community, reduce the prevalence of some food borne diseases and some water borne diseases in Nigeria population.

It is possible that this research study will be of great benefit not only to the worker in abattoir but also to the aquatic life and the general citizenry, health inspectors and those whose field of interest is primarily with health, safety and welfare of worker also stand to benefit from this laudable and timely research work.