KNOWLEDGE OF OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS AND SAFETY PRACTICES AMONG NURSES IN A TERTIARY HEALTH FACILITY IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

This study explored the knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices among 258 nurses in a tertiary health facility in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, through a comprehensive survey. The research examined socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of various occupational hazards (physical, biological, chemical, ergonomic, and psychosocial), exposure levels, and adherence to safety protocols. Results indicated that 60.9% of nurses possessed good knowledge of occupational hazards, 33.3% had moderate knowledge, and 5.8% exhibited poor knowledge. High awareness was noted for workplace hazards (95.3%) and their potential adverse health effects (96.5%), though knowledge of relevant laws and regulations was lower (68.2%). Exposure to occupational hazards was significant, with 41.1% of nurses reporting high exposure and 50.0% experiencing moderate exposure. Frequently encountered hazards included prolonged standing (72.5%), low back pain (68.6%), workplace stress (76.7%), and exposure to disinfectants (55.0%). Overcrowded workplaces (56.6%) and infectious diseases (37.6%) were also prevalent concerns. Safety practices were robust, with 71.3% of nurses demonstrating good adherence, particularly in regular hand hygiene (77.1% strongly agree) and proper disposal of sharps (74.0% strongly agree). However, disagreement regarding needle recapping (24.8%) suggested areas for improved training. A chi-square analysis (χ² = 104.216, p < 0.001) confirmed a significant relationship between higher knowledge levels and better safety practices, underscoring the importance of education in fostering safer behaviors. The findings highlight gaps in organizational safety systems, such as limited systematic hazard identification (59.7%), and the need for targeted interventions. Recommendations include enhanced training on hazard- specific risks, regular risk assessments, ergonomic improvements, and stricter policy enforcement to mitigate exposure and promote a safer working environment for nurses in tertiary healthcare settings.