Does education improve the health of workers? A critical analysis of the occupational health and safety policy guidelines for the health sector in Ghana

Dare, S., Spence, W. and Cross, J. (2013) Does education improve the health of workers? A critical analysis of the occupational health and safety policy guidelines for the health sector in Ghana. Journal of Public Policy in Africa, 1(1),

Abstract

Health care facilities are potentially hazardous workplaces that expose workers various infections and injuries. The effects of occupational injuries are devastating and the economic impacts are likely to have substantial effects on health care delivery in developing countries like Ghana. In response to the hazards that affect healthcare workers, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in collaboration with the WHO African Region developed the Occupational Health and Safety Policy and Guidelines for the Health Secto r in 2010. Amongst a set of five major strategies, the policy emphasised the “provision of i nformation and education to employees to enhance their safety behaviours” [and ultimately decrease occupational injuries]. The aim of this paper therefore is to det ermine, by reviewing relevant primary research evidence, whether the provision of information and education decreases the incidence of occupational injuries among healthcare workers. Many policies have failed to achieve their set objectives because the pro posed strategies, among other constraints, were not rooted in scientific evidence. The findings of this review shows that the chasm between current strategies suggested in the Occupational Health and Safety Policy and Guidelines and scientific evidence is huge and that an attempt to reduce occupational injuries through the provision of information and education alone is destined to fail. Interventions based on ergonomic principles; implementing a policy which restricts manual lifting, and providing necessary equipment will lead to substantial decrease in occupational injuries

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Spence, Mr William
• Authors: Dare, S., Spence, W., and Cross, J.
• Subjects: J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Journal of Public Policy in Africa
• Publisher: Africa University

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