ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SAFETY TRAINING FOR WORKERS IN SELECTED HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract This paper examined the effectiveness of safety training programs among healthcare workers in Rivers State, with a particular focus on training delivery methods, organizational support, knowledge retention, compliance with safety protocols, and implementation barriers. Using a cross-sectional survey design, a sample of 185 data were collected from healthcare employees across multiple facilities through structured questionnaires. Analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics (Weighted Mean (WM)), ANOVA, and regression analysis to examine the relationships between training methods, organizational support, time, and workers’ safety knowledge and behaviour. The results of the descriptive statistics revealed that; safety training delivery methods in the healthcare centres are effective in equipping healthcare workers with practical safety knowledge and skills (WM = 3.38 >3.00), there is high level of retention of safety knowledge, compliance and practice over time in the healthcare centres (WM=3.43>3.00) and organizational policies and support systems plays crucial role in enhancing the outcomes of safety training programs (WM=3.43>3.00). The ANOVA results revealed that using different safety training method will not significantly improve workers’ safety knowledge or behaviour (F=0.654, p=0.391>0.05) and knowledge retention and compliance declined significantly over time (F = 19.772, p = 0.000) while regression analysis showed that organizational support has a statistically significant influence on the success of safety training programs (B=0.388, P<0.0001). In conclusion, achieving long-term improvements in healthcare safety requires a holistic approach that integrates strong leadership, inclusive policies, systematic training, regular refreshers, and a supportive organizational culture. Keywords: Safety Training Healthcare Facilities, Rivers Stat.