Occupational health and safety readiness of health care workers at Kapsabet County and Referral Hospital during Coronavirus Disease-19 Era

Abstract

Hospitals have many unique hazards that can potentially affect the health of employees and thereby affect their efficiency at work. It was noted that Kapsabet County and Referral hospital (KCRH) did not have a department that deals with Occupational safety and health (OSH). There was a lack of system for recording hazardous exposures and poor servicing of fire extinguishers in the wards. The purpose of the study was to assess occupational health and safety readiness of health care workers at Kapsabet County and Referral hospital during COVID-19 pandemic period. The study adopted cross sectional descriptive research design. A sample size of 40 was selected using non-probabilistic convenient sampling technique. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaire while qualitative data was gathered using observation schedule. Data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Most (80%) were aware about OSH and the OSH preventive measures. Majority (82%) were aware of hazards they were exposed to. Almost two-thirds (70%) washed their hands after every procedure and majority were provided with PPEs. Most (88%) had not received any training on OSH at work, while 67% reported that they did not know any OSH policy in the hospital. About 80% reported not being aware of anyone in charge of OSH activities in the hospital. The OSH checklist score was an average of 2.5 which was rated as poor. The hospital should improve on measures of occupational health and safety which would build on a good background of OSH awareness the health care workers of KCRH already have.