Background: Occupational injury is a major global public health problem resulting in work related morbidity, disability and fatality. The occurrence of occupational injury is the highest in food and drink processing industry, which make it the most dangerous occupation, among the manufacturing industries. Beverage workers have been reported to be exposed to various work hazards. This situation may increase their risk of occupational injury. However, the situation in Ethiopia particularly in the beverage industries is less known.

Objective: to assess the magnitude and predictors of occupational injury among employees in beverage industry in Harar and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from September 1- October 15, 2017.

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed using both quantitative and qualitative methods.  The study settings were Awash Wine Share Company, Heineken Brewery Share and Harar Brewery Share Companies. A total sample size of 675 was drawn randomly based on the population proportion of the industries. For the qualitative data, key informants were interviewed until saturation level is achieved. The data were entered into Epi-data statistical software version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 21.0 for further analysis. Descriptive analysis is done for frequency and cross tab, Binary logistic and   all covariates that have p value < 0.2 in crude logistic regression analysis were considered for further multiple logistic analysis. Odd Ratios along with 95% Confidence interval was calculated to measure the strength of association between dependent and independent variables. Level of statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of occupational injury for life time and for 12 months was found to be 20.9% and 11.1% respectively. The commonest injury in this study was trauma to fingers and hand. Factors associated with injuries were sleeping related problem (OR=1.8 times), contract employment status (OR=2.4 times and working in technical department (OR=4 times). Age group 28-34were (OR=0.45) 55% and experience < 1 year were (AOR=0.15) 85% less likely to sustain occupational injury. Key informant interview revealed that common hindrance stated are inconsistent execution of safety procedure and lack of commitment of employer to provide personal protective devices. This problem is highly affecting contract based employees. On observation of the companies’ environment, Heineken and Harar have well organized work place in comparison to Awash.

Conclusion: The magnitude of occupational injury among the employees in beverage industries was high 20.9%.Factors associated with occupational injuries were observed in technical departments, contract employment and presence of sleeping disturbance while experience of one year and age group 28-34 were found to be protective. The hindrances like improper utilization of personal protective equipment, lack of continuous supply of personal protective equipment were observed among the study participants. Thus, occupational safety measures like availing and refilling of personal protective equipment have to be strengthened by the companies through strong follow up with special emphasis to Contract employee.

Key words: Beverage Industry; Employees; Occupational injury.