Predictors of knowledge, attitude and practices on work related injuries among laboratory staffs in Universiti Putra Malaysia

Introduction: Current knowledge of laboratory workforce on safe working environment leaves much space for improvement and need to be explored further. Common laboratory risks and hazards are numerous but can be avoided with better knowledge, attitude and simple safe working practices. Many laboratory workers are unaware of the potential hazards in their work environment, which makes them more vulnerable to injuries. Work related injuries (WRI) may cause absenteeism among its staff. Worker absence due to WRI is an important phenomenon across all countries, industries, and occupations. Laboratory staffs in universities play a vital role in providing support for scientific investigation and experiments to be done and lead to the upgrade of the university standards. In relation to this, the job characteristics and job scope has become more challenging and risky exposing them to numerous occupational hazard. Methodology: A cross-sectional study based on proportionate random sampling was conducted among all laboratory staffs in UPM. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practices with its associating factors and predictors. Prevalence of WRI was also calculated. All data collected was analysed using IBM SPSS version 22 involving descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: In this study, 64.5% of respondents obtained a good level of knowledge, 51.1% respondents had a positive attitude and 68.4% respondents had a good level of practice on WRI. The prevalence of WRI among laboratory staffs in UPM was 14% with the main type of WRI being musculoskeletal injuries. The predictors for good level of knowledge were gender being female (AOR=2.218, 95% CI=1.279-3.846) and working hours of >45 hours per week (AOR=0.327, 95% CI=0.178-0.601). In terms of positive attitude on WRI, the predictor was education level of degree or higher (AOR=2.168, 95% CI=1.279-3.676) while the predictor for good level of practice on WRI was the non-involvement in part time job (AOR=2.029, 95% CI=1.026-4.014). Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude and practices on WRI among laboratory staffs can be improved by organizing regular refreshment courses and training. Importance and impact of WRI to our country should be emphasized. This will instill a safe work culture among laboratory workers and indirectly reduce the occurrence of WRI.

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