Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Occupational Safety and Health Among Laboratory Workers in OSHMS Certified and Non-Certified Public Universities in Malaysia
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.18.5.2
- Author:
Eugenia Paul
1
;
Emilia Zainal Abidin
1
;
Nurmuslihah Ahmad Mahmmud
1
;
Noor Hassim Ismail
2
Author Information
1. Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
2. Department of Community Health, Hospital Tunku Muhriz, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, 53000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Occupational Safety and Health, OSH-MS, Laboratory, Workers, Education
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2022;18(No.5):3-12
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: The use of chemicals in teaching laboratories exposes students and laboratory staff to risk arising from
hazardous chemicals. Accidents related to poor management and handling of chemicals have been reported in
teaching laboratories. Good implementation of occupational safety and health (OSH) in organisation that has implemented OSH-Management System (OSH-MS) plays an important role in reducing accidents at the workplace. The
aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) related to the OSH aspect in chemical
handling among workers in OSH-MS certified and non-certified public universities in Malaysia. Method: This is a
cross-sectional survey involving laboratory workers in four public universities in Malaysia. A total of 120 laboratory
staff were recruited and data on KAP was collected using self-administered questionnaires disseminated physically
and via online platforms. Items in the questionnaire were adapted from previous studies and published guidelines.
Data obtained were entered into statistical software for analysis. Results: About 76% of workers in certified universities have high knowledge, 94% have a positive attitude, and 88% have good practice in OSH. In non-certified
universities, 70% have high knowledge, 97.1% have a positive attitude and 81.4% have good practice in OSH. Good
practice level was significantly higher in certified universities. Knowledge, in general, was associated with younger
age and higher education level while attitude was linked to gender. Conclusion: There were higher percentages
of good OSH practice among laboratory workers in OSH-MS certified universities. Structured and systematic OSH
governance can facilitate better OSH practice and implementation in certified public universities.
- Full text:11.2022my1321.pdf
