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.