Knowledge, skills and practices on Occupational Safety and Health among healthcare workers of Local Government Units (LGUs) in CAMANAVA

ABSTRACT

Background@#The need for better Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) protection for healthcare workers is increasingly being recognized as a major priority in the Philippines. The OSH Law ensures a safe and healthy workplace for all workers while the OSH Standards in the Public sector guarantees protection to all government employees from work-related injury and accident.@*Objective@#This study determined the knowledge, skills, and practices on OSH among healthcare workers after the passage of the OSH Standards for the Public Sector of four local government units: Caloocan City, Malabon City, Navotas City, and Valenzuela City@*Methods@#The descriptive evaluative and descriptive comparative research designs were utilized using a self-made questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were: current employment as healthcare workers from the Health Department, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and Bureau of Fire Protection of the four LGUs. Data gathered were statistically analyzed using frequency and percentage, simple mean, weighted mean and standard deviation.@*Results@#More than half of the 306 respondents do not have a safety and health role in their respective LGUs. In terms of the level of knowledge on OSH, findings showed that majority were unaware of the OSH Law and the OSH Standards in the Public sector and to some of the duties of employers and rights of workers. The respondents were generally moderately skillful on OSH activities and the extent of OSH Practice showed unfamiliarity with the Mandatory 8-hour OSH Training, Safety officers, Health and Safety committees, and risk assessment for hazards.@*Conclusion@#A positive safety and health culture for government workers is fundamental especially for those working in the healthcare sector. This can be achieved more effectively if there is awareness, commitment, and correct implementation of the OSH Law, OSH Standards in the Public Sector and mandatory health programs and policies in the government institutions.