Journal of Disease and Global Health

Aims: This study assessed occupational hazards and safety practices among primary health care (PHC) workers in Ikeja Local Government Area (LGA), Lagos State, Nigeria, including knowledge of hazards, compliance practices, and safety resources within the facilities.

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in 18 primary health care facilities in Ikeja Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Methodology: A structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire and a facility safety audit checklist were used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, hazard exposure, hazard knowledge, compliance, and facility safety. A census of 310 clinical PHC workers (doctors, nurses/midwives, community health workers/officers, laboratory scientists, pharmacists, and dentists) was conducted. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26, descriptive statistics, and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at P < .05.

Results: Biological hazard exposure was common: 81.6% of workers reported sharps exposure, 80.0% reported contact with infectious materials, 20.0% had experienced a needlestick injury, and 47.4% were not fully vaccinated against hepatitis B or were unsure of their vaccination status. Chemical exposure was reported by 85.5% of workers, chemical-related symptoms by 24.8%, and lack of or uncertainty about access to Safety Data Sheets by 65.2%. Musculoskeletal discomfort was reported by 85.2%, work-related stress by 57.7%, and workplace violence or harassment by 31.3%. Consistent personal protective equipment (PPE) use and incident reporting were reported by 50.3% and 33.2%, respectively, although 59.0% were aware of safety protocols. Written safety guidelines were reported by 41.6%, while 33.2% reported management enforcement. Knowledge of safety procedures was associated with compliance (P < .001); training was associated with PPE use (P = .002), and management enforcement was associated with PPE use (P < .001).

Conclusion: Exposure across multiple occupational hazard domains coexisted with inconsistent safety compliance among PHC workers in Ikeja LGA. The observed pattern suggests that organisational and resource limitations, in addition to individual knowledge gaps, affected safety practices. Multilevel interventions should strengthen training, the provision of protective equipment, supervision, and enforcement.