Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Laboratory Occupational Safety and Health among Healthcare Workers

Abstract

Background: The use of chemicals in laboratories exposes laboratory staff to risks arising from hazardous chemicals. Accidents related to poor management and handling of chemicals have been reported in laboratories. Good implementation of occupational safety and health (OSH) in organizations that have implemented OSH-Management System (OSH-MS) plays an important role in reducing accidents at the workplace. This study aims: to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) related to the OSH aspect in chemical handling among healthcare workers. Method: This is a cross-sectional survey involving laboratory workers. The study was conducted in two governmental hospital laboratories in Riyadh (AL Zulfi Hospital, and King Khaled Hospital) Saudi Arabia. A total of 120 laboratory staff were recruited and data on KAP was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Items in the questionnaire were adapted from previous studies and published guidelines. Data obtained were entered into statistical software for analysis. Results: approximately two-thirds of the respondents have high knowledge of OSH, 96% have a positive attitude and 84% have good practice on OSH. Moreover, the present study revealed that there was no significant difference in the knowledge level between laboratory workers. Similarly, there is no significant difference in the attitude level between laboratory workers. However, the tests show that there is a significant difference in the practice level between laboratory workers. Furthermore, the results of this study showed evidence of the association between gender (0.049) and practice level; the association between age (0.011*) and knowledge level, and education level (p=0.003) and knowledge level. Conclusion: There were the implementation of a suitable, adequate, and effective management system that is continually improved is crucial and needs to be implemented to manage the OSH risks in the organizations.