Health and Safety Practices and Work Attendance in a Ghanaian Health Service

Abstract

This study assesses how health and safety policies and practices are adhered to at the Dunkwa-on-Offin Municipal Hospital in Ghana to enhance quality and sustainable healthcare delivery. The study approach was mainly quantitative and employed a survey design. 123 employees, out of the 167 total population of the hospital, were sampled. Questionnaire was designed to collect quantitative data, which were complemented by a single-source interview data. Data were analysed, using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (R), multiple regression and narrative analysis. The results showed that although employees were aware of and adhered to health and safety practices, about two-thirds of them had experienced different forms of injuries with significantly negative effect on their work attendance (absenteeism). It was further found that health and safety supervision was week. We recommend that the Ministry of Health should step up its health and safety supervisory and monitoring roles for improved quality and sustainable healthcare delivery.