Healthcare workers play a crucial role in providing services to patients worldwide, representing 18% of the global working population (WHO, 2010). However, they face numerous occupational hazards daily, posing significant risks to their health and lives. Data from DHIMS spanning 2018 to 2021 showed a steady increase in cases of occupational injuries at Ahafo Ano North Municipal Hospital. Occupational risk cases rose from 10 in 2018 to 27 in 2021 among healthcare workers. Considering this, the fundamental question is What idea do health workers have on occupational health and safety? Is there a relation between health workers attitude and occupational health and safety? The main objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of occupational health and safety among healthcare workers at the hospital Ahafo Ano North Municipal Hospital in Ghana. We adopted a cross-sectional study design, involving 100 respondents of healthcare workers. Qualitative analyses were used to assess the response level. We found that all respondents demonstrated fundamental knowledge of occupational health and safety, including awareness of biological, chemical, psychological, and physical hazards. However, We identified a significant gap in practice, with 46 respondents not consistently using personal protective equipment (PPE) during patient care. Furthermore, 39 out of the 46 respondents indicated a lack of sufficient PPE supply in the facility as the primary reason for non-compliance. The study strongly recommends that the government take proactive measures to improve working conditions for healthcare employees and ensure adequate access to PPE.

Authors:
Mercy Nymakye Marfo, Tepa Nursing and Midwifery College, Ghana
Belinda Adom, Central University, Ghana

About the Presenter(s)
Dr SETH ADOM is a University Postgraduate Student at University of Tsukuba in Japan

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