BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDE ON WORK-RELATED RISKS AND HAZARDS AMONG HEALTH PERSONNELS AT HOLY FAMILY HOSPIAL, BEREKUM.

Abstract

The study focused on the behavior and attitude on work-related risks and hazards among health personnels at Holy Family Hospital, Berekum. A cross sectional descriptive study was used to collect in-depth information for the study. The sample population was obtained using a convenience sampling technique. A total of 50 nurses were sampled for the study. The data for the study was collected by administering the questionnaire to the participants. The study found that 88% (44) of the respondents have not received training on occupational hazards practices in the health care facility. All the respondents (100%) mentioned biological hazards and physical hazards. 90% of the respondents mentioned chemical hazards and 86% of respondents mentioned ergonomic hazard. 72% of the respondents mentioned safety hazards as a category of occupational hazard. A whopping 80% of the respondents mentioned trips and falls. 74% of the respondents mentioned long working hours. 56% of the respondents mentioned lack of equipment’s. 40% of the respondents mentioned time pressure and stress as causes of occupational hazards. Most of the respondents perceived high susceptibility to 62% needle prick injuries and 60% direct contact with patients’ fluid, 52% (26) of the respondents had low perception about assaults from patients. The study recommended that management of the must train healthcare workers on Occupational Health and Safety practices. Matron and ward in charges must also make sure that each shift is covered by enough nurses to prevent excessive fatigue among nurses and midwives. The study concluded that respondents have adequate knowledge on occupational hazards though respondents had no training after their previous education on occupational hazards. The overall perception of respondents on work-related risks and hazards was good.