Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Occupational Safety and Health Among Laboratory Workers in OSHMS Certified and Non-Certified Public Universities in Malaysia
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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. Goodimplementation of occupational safety and health (OSH) in organisation that has imple- mented 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, attitudeand practice (KAP) related to the OSH aspect in chemical handling among workers in OSH-MS certified and non-certified publicuniversities in Malaysia. Method: This is a cross-sectional survey involving laboratory workers in four public universities inMalaysia. A total of 120 laboratory staff were recruited and data on KAP was collected using self-administered questionnairesdisseminated physically and via online platforms. Items in the questionnaire were adapted from previous studies and publishedguidelines. Data obtained were entered into statistical software for analysis. Results: About 76% of workers in certified univer- sities have high knowledge, 94% have a positive attitude, and 88% have good practice in OSH. In non-certified universities, 70% havehigh knowledge, 97.1% have a positive attitude and 81.4% have good practice in OSH. Good practice level was significantly higher incertified universities. Knowledge, in general, was associated with younger age and higher education level while attitude was linkedto gender. Conclusion: There were higher percentages of good OSH practice among laboratory workers in OSH-MS certifieduniversities. Structured and systematic OSH governance can facilitate better OSH practice and implementation in certified public universities.
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