Factors that Impact Occupational Health and Safety: A Case of the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa

Abstract

Rising occupational health and safety-related incidents in Ghana have become an alarming development in recent times. From fire gutting market stalls and claiming over two hundred (200) lives yearly to floods sweeping the streets of our cities after short downpours and claiming some lives. From mining pits collapsing on miners and laboratory workers being exposed to toxic chemicals, lack of comprehensive knowledge on the level of risks they are exposed to and how to protect themselves. This study seeks to investigate factors that impact occupational health and safety at the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa. Using a descriptive cross-sectional analysis, the study analyzed the factors that impact occupational health and safety at the University of Mines a Technology, Tarkwa. The effective manage ment of information relating to occupational health and safety and the commitment of the University to occupational health and safety was found to play a major role in improving the health and safety of the staff. These are closely followed by management-leadership support. That is, there is also a strong correlation between information and management leadership support. It can also be seen that there is a strong correlation between organiza tional commitment and occupational health and safety. Further studies can be done to deter mine whether staff commitment to the University of Mines has any impact on occupational health and safety.