Health and safety in clinical laboratory practice in Ibadan, Nigeria

The economic implications of safety precautions in laboratory practice make compliance difficult especially for laboratories in countries with poor economies. However, economic factors are not the only determinants of a safe work environment. Worker's perception of health and safety also influence compliance with safety guidelines. This study was conducted to determine the attitude and practice of laboratory workers with regard to safety. A structured questionnaire was administered to laboratory workers in 10 clinical laboratories. The questionnaire inquired about the use of protective equipment, safe work practices and immunization status of workers. Another questionnaire sought information on safety codes, accident records and first aid facilities in each laboratory. Questionnaires were coded and analysed. Ninety out of 106 laboratory workers (85%) responded to the inquiry. Unsafe work practices such as eating or drinking in laboratories and mouth pipetting of biological samples were practised by 41% and 10% of workers, respectively. Ninety percent of workers used white coats while 64% used gloves when handling biological samples. None of these workers used goggles or face shields in the course of their work. Fifty-one percent had received immunisation against tuberculosis, 73% against tetanus and 16% against hepatitis B. Thirty-seven percent of senior staff and 72% of junior staff did not receive any formal safety training. Accident records and first aid facilities were absent in most laboratories. The commonest health problem reported by workers was low back pain. The poor coverage of hepatitis B immunization among health care workers in an endemic area is currently a cause for concern among medical and paramedical staff. There is a need for education programmes to increase awareness on safety. Occupational health workers in this setting face the challenge of promoting safe work practices among workers in the face of the lack of funding and apathy among poorly paid junior workers.