Occupational health and safety training of personnel from eleven Department of Health hospitals in Metro Manila

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE. This study was conducted to describe areas of concern with respect to occupational health and safety (OHS) program administration at eleven (11) Metro Manila hospitals, particularly level of OHS knowledge and skill of personnel, the nature of occupational hazards perceived to exist in the hospitals, and how these relate to OHS program staffing and implementation.METHODS. Participants were surveyed on OHS knowledge and skills, as well as perceived occupational hazards, during the pilot of the "Occupational Health and Safety for Hospital Workers" training course held last April 2009.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. The participants needed improvement in many of the OHS knowledge and ability items assessed. Familiarity and mastery of some items were demonstrated, but for effectiveness to be assured, it is necessary for other areas to be improved. Occupational hazards from all categories (chemical, ergonomic, physical, biological, and safety-related) are observed in the hospitals, with the most frequently cited being chemical and ergonomic in nature. Health and safety committees and OHS programs exist, but staff abilities limit their operation and effectiveness.CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS. Improvement of certain OHS personnel abilities in the hospitals surveyed is suggested, and may help improve administration of OHS programs.