Awareness and Compliance with Hospital Occupational Safety and Health Program

Abstract

Introduction

Occupational hazards are a global concern affecting workers across various sectors, with a particular emphasis on developing and industrialized countries.  Among these, healthcare workers are at heightened risk due to their regular exposure to physical and chemical agents.  Notably, nurses, who constitute a crucial component of the healthcare team, encounter numerous workplace hazards that can influence their health and the efficiency of healthcare delivery.  Inevitable occupational injuries emphasize the importance of rigorously following safety and health protocols to optimize the impact of the occupational safety and health program.

Methodology

This research employs a quantitative design with concurrent triangulation, enabling the simultaneous collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.  The study was conducted in the district hospitals of the 2nd district of Ilocos Sur, with three out of five hospitals selected as samples.  Registered nurses with at least six months of employment in these hospitals were the study participants, totaling seventy-six qualified nurses.  Data collection occurred from June to July of 2022, utilizing a cluster sampling approach for sample selection.  The questionnaire was divided into two parts, assessing awareness of hospital occupational safety and health protocols, and focusing on compliance.

Results and Discussion

The findings reveal that the seventy-six respondent staff nurses demonstrated moderate awareness and compliance with hospital occupational safety and health protocols.  This suggests areas for improvement that could be modified to enhance compliance with these protocols.  The study underscores the importance of adopting an enhanced hospital occupational safety and health program, validated through a thorough investigation.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The study's outcomes emphasize the need for targeted efforts to bolster awareness and compliance among staff nurses regarding hospital occupational safety and health protocols.  To address these concerns, it is recommended that the proposed enhanced hospital occupational safety and health program undergo pilot testing for future investigations in the field.  This will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding and effective implementation of safety measures in healthcare settings.