The Occupational Hazard Facing Researchers in The Field of Aquaculture

The study primarily aimed to identify the occupational hazards facing researchers in the field of aquaculture sector by: profiling respondents’ general characteristics; determining their degree of exposure to hazards during work; identifying the occupational safety and health (OSH) measures available in their work environment and the extent to which respondents use them; assessing the application of OSH procedures and standards in the workplace; and compiling respondents’ suggestions for activating OSH standards in aquaculture settings. The research was conducted among researchers at the Central Laboratory for Aquaculture Research (Abbassa). Sharkia Governorate. and covered 141 respondents. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Frequencies. percentages. and the mean relative weight were used to rank statements by importance and to present the results.Key findings indicated that 52% of respondents had a high level of awareness of the concept of occupational hazards. and 60% had experienced work-related injuries. While 72% had received training courses in OSH. 70% of the total had attended only a small number of courses (one course). Respondents’ exposure to hazards during work ranged from moderate to high—57% and 43%. respectively. Regarding the OSH measures available in the work environment (as perceived by respondents). the most important were: provision of rest areas for researchers (the mean relative weight score = 2.89). followed by dedicated changing rooms (the mean relative weight = 2.63). Respondents’ use of OSH measures ranged from low to moderate (23% and 65%. respectively). Furthermore. 82% believed that OSH procedures and standards are applied to a moderate or low degree in the aquaculture field. The most prominent proposals to enhance OSH procedures and standards in aquaculture workplaces were: delivering training courses by OSH specialists (96%); distributing OSH guidance leaflets to researchers (91%); posting hazard-warning posters that explain risks and prevention methods (88%); preparing a report on every workplace incident (87%); and conducting routine inspection. maintenance. and cleaning of personal protective equipment after use (85%).The study primarily aimed to identify the occupational hazards facing researchers in the field of aquaculture sector by: profiling respondents’ general characteristics; determining their degree of exposure to hazards during work; identifying the occupational safety and health (OSH) measures available in their work environment and the extent to which respondents use them; assessing the application of OSH procedures and standards in the workplace; and compiling respondents’ suggestions for activating OSH standards in aquaculture settings. The research was conducted among researchers at the Central Laboratory for Aquaculture Research (Abbassa). Sharkia Governorate. and covered 141 respondents. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Frequencies. percentages. and the mean relative weight were used to rank statements by importance and to present the results.Key findings indicated that 52% of respondents had a high level of awareness of the concept of occupational hazards. and 60% had experienced work-related injuries. While 72% had received training courses in OSH. 70% of the total had attended only a small number of courses (one course). Respondents’ exposure to hazards during work ranged from moderate to high—57% and 43%. respectively. Regarding the OSH measures available in the work environment (as perceived by respondents). the most important were: provision of rest areas for researchers (the mean relative weight score = 2.89). followed by dedicated changing rooms (the mean relative weight = 2.63). Respondents’ use of OSH measures ranged from low to moderate (23% and 65%. respectively). Furthermore. 82% believed that OSH procedures and standards are applied to a moderate or low degree in the aquaculture field. The most prominent proposals to enhance OSH procedures and standards in aquaculture workplaces were: delivering training courses by OSH specialists (96%); distributing OSH guidance leaflets to researchers (91%); posting hazard-warning posters that explain risks and prevention methods (88%); preparing a report on every workplace incident (87%); and conducting routine inspection. maintenance. and cleaning of personal protective equipment after use (85%).