Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Occupational Safety and Health Among Laboratory Workers in OSHMS Certified and Non-Certified Public Universities in Malaysia

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.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Knowledge, Practices and Injury Patterns among Solvent Manufacturing Workers: A Cross-sectional Study

“…These findings were in accordance with other studies conducted in Malaysia. In a prior study by Paul et al (14), it was found that there was also no correlation between knowledge level and independent variables like gender, work experience, and safety training on OSH among laboratory workers at particular public universities in Malaysia. Krishnan (15) also reported the findings of demographic factors like age and gender to have no significant influence on the application and acceptance of OSH.…”