Assessment of Occupational Risks among Academic Staff in a Ghanaian Public University
Abstract:
The occupational health and safety
of academic staff in institutions of higher learning in Ghana has attracted
some attention in recent years due to the high numbers of secondary school
graduates entering these institutions. This situation undoubtedly threatens the
occupational health and safety of Lecturers in Ghana. This study was conducted
among academic staff of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, and sought to
determine the common hazards affecting them and evaluate the associated risks
using the decision matrix risk assessment technique. The study also determined
these workers' knowledge, attitudes, awareness, and practices toward
occupational health and safety. This cross-sectional study used a combination
of techniques, including a survey and an expert evaluation using an
observational checklist. There were 360 participants in total. Respondents'
scores on knowledge, attitude, awareness, and practices toward occupational
health and safety were high. There was a high prevalence of low back pain, neck
pain, and stress. The main drivers of stress were the high workload and the
inability to take annual leave. Risks of musculoskeletal injuries, voice
disorders, stress among academic staff, and fire outbreaks on campus were found
to be high. In conclusion, concerns about stress, voice issues, and musculoskeletal
disorders seem to be prevalent among academic staff at the University of Cape
Coast. Authorities should address the main drivers of occupational health
issues identified in this study.
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