Occupational Health Management and Safety Programs in Public Sector Universities: Mixed Method Research

A healthy workforce is essential for the growth and development of an organization and nation consequently occupational health management is needed which deals with all aspects of physical and mental health of the workforce in the workplace. This study explores the practices of occupational health management in public sector universities. It aimed to identify occupational health initiatives, management practices, reporting mechanisms, and prevalent health concerns among academic faculty. The research adopted a convergent mixed-methods approach, utilizing questionnaires, interviews, and checklists for data collection. The study population comprised faculty members and administrative heads across four public sector universities. The findings highlighted a lack of specific occupational health policies and general health assessment strategies in place. Key issues identified included challenges related to working hours, display screen usage, and occupational health risks in science laboratories. Recommendations were made for the establishment of comprehensive occupational health policies and practices, guided by WHO and ILO standards, to enhance the workplace health environment.