Occupational Health and Safety Practices among Sanitation Workers in a Public University in Ghana: A Qualitative Approach

Background: Satisfactory sanitation, together with decent hygiene and safe water, are central to good health and a bedrock of social and economic growth. If we are not able to safeguard the lives of those who protect us, then is palpable that our lives are also at stake exclusively in a period where there are so many genetic adversaries to combat so as to maintain, inspire and protect the lives of the individuals. To shield ourselves from environmental diseases, the welfare of sanitary workers is of overriding prominence.

Aim: The study aimed at reconnoitering occupational health and safety practices of sanitation workers of University of Education, Winneba, (UEW) Ghana.

Place and Duration of Study: The study took place at University of Education, Winneba campus in the Effutu Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana, between May, 2021 and January, 2022.

Methods: The study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design in investigating occupational health and safety (OHS) practices among sanitation workers in UEW. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit the respondents for the study with a focus group discussion guide and in-depth interview guide as the main instruments for data collection. Data were analysed qualitatively using the content analysis technique.

Results: The findings of the study revealed four indices that embodied and affected the working conditions of sanitation workers. These included: occupational stress; hazardous conditions; remuneration; and job security. Again, it was also revealed that there was inadequate personal protective equipment (PPEs) supplied by the university management and poor use of PPEs with the most used PPEs being nose masks by the sanitation workers as a result of the enforcement of Covid-19 protocols. Major challenges faced by the sanitation workers in adhering to OHS practices were found to be poor remuneration, inadequate tools/equipment, poor supervision, unfavourable weather condition and abuse as well as assault.

Conclusion: The well-being of every individual matters, if there is a poor condition of service and poor adherence to OHS practices by sanitary workers in an institution of higher education then worse cases or scenarios may be bound to happen elsewhere. There is therefore the need for relevant stakeholders to stand and advocate for proper formulation and enforcement of OHS protocols as well as ensuring good working conditions for all.