Association Between Socio-Dynamic and Other Individuals Characteristics on Perceptions of Occupational Safety Among Workers in Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

Background: Occupational safety is questioned in developing countries like Nepal. Health-care workers have been exposed to potential risks due to different kinds of hazards at their workplace. They are responsible for providing a safe climate for others, which is why their safety should be given high priority, ensuring that they feel safe. Objective: This study has aimed to provide insight into overall healthcare workers perceptions of the available hospital safety facilities and strategies adopted in the hospitals of Kathmandu, Nepal. Methods: The findings of this study are anticipated to assist the hospital industry and agencies to formulate plans and policies to improve safety precautions in hospital duties. For the perception and attitude of workers and nurses towards the safety and health status of workers, the primary data were collected from workers and nurses based on a questionnaire of two different sets, including demographic data. Data from workers and nurses was collected based on the questionnaire ranking the causes of accidents. Results: The study results indicate that several perception-based and socio-demographic variables were found to be significantly associated with the safety perception of workers and nurses. Among the perception-related variables, work motivation and education and training were found to significantly shape the workers’ and nurses' perceptions during hospital duties. These results suggest that the management could increase the incentives and rewards for the workers and deliver safety education and training to make them feel safe working in a hospital. Conclusion: Among socio-demographic variables, gender, household size, household income, and personal income were statistically significant, and worker types, marital status, and possession of permanence were marginally significant predictors of workers’ safety perceptions.