Chemical Health Risks Exposure among Laboratory Staff in Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute in Mombasa County, Kenya

Abstract

To ensure a safe and healthy work environment for employees, the occupational Safety and Health Act 2007 was enacted in Kenya, and employers are required to comply with the Act. Owing to the global increase in the production and use of chemicals and other related reagents, chemical health risks have significantly risen. While necessary measures are in place to ensure safety in the labs, laboratory personnel are still vulnerable to exposure due to nature of work. Chemical hazards contribute to health risks resulting in significant fatalities and injuries to laboratory personnel, hence the need to protect them against such. This study evaluated chemical health risks exposure to laboratory staff in Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) in Mombasa County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to assess Occupational Safety and Health Awareness, Effective PPE usage and exposure to radiations from unstable radioactive chemicals on laboratory staff, and how they contribute to chemical health risks. The study employed descriptive cross-sectional research design. Structured questionnaires, observation checklists and radiation measurements were used for data collection from a sample of 110 personnel from each of the KMFRI laboratories. The staff were selected based on specific inclusion, exclusion criteria. Only technical personnel who had worked in the laboratories for more than 5 years and who consistently worked for at-least five hours per day were considered eligible for participation in the study. Exposure to radiation was assessed using a calibrated radiation detector (dosimeter badges) meter to determine the extent of radiation exposure in the affected laboratory section. Data was analyzed using Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. The study found a positive correlation between Occupational safety and Health awareness (r=.945 N=97 p<.01), PPE Usage (r=.883 N=97 p<.01), Exposure to radiation (r=.955 N=97 p<.01) and exposure to chemical health risks. The Analysis of Variance revealed a strong positive relationship between OSH awareness, PPE usage, exposure to radiation, and chemical health risks. The variables were found to be statistically significant and found to influence exposure to chemical health risks; OSH awareness, PPE usage and exposure to radiation largely contributed to exposure to chemical health risks among the laboratory staff. This study also revealed non-compliance to the set standards, leading staff to being exposed to potential chemical risks. The study findings further indicated that OSH awareness creation was not effectively done; hence a majority of the laboratory personnel were not privy to what was expected of them in terms of ensuring their occupational safety. Levels of exposure to radiation ranged between 0.018mSv/Month - 0.642mSv with a mean of 0.289mSv. The exposure to radiation was found to be within acceptable limits set by the Kenya nuclear regulatory authority in conjunction with the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The study recommends; mandatory OSH awareness creation and training for all laboratory staff; adequate provisions be made for quality PPE in compliance with standards for effective use; stringent measures be put in place to ensure controlled or eliminated exposure to radiation. The findings from this study will help laboratory management, policy makers, and occupational health practitioners to develop and implement effective safety measures, improve work place health standards, and enhance compliance with occupational safety regulations.