Occupational Safety Practices and Resilience among Health Workers in Provincial and District Hospitals in Abra: A Basis for Policy Formulation

Abstract

This study determined the occupational safety practices and resilience of health workers in the Provincial and District Hospitals in Abra and examined reported associations involving selected demographic characteristics and the dimensions of occupational safety and resilience as a basis for policy formulation. A quantitative descriptive-correlational design was employed among 171 health workers from one provincial and three district hospitals. Respondents included nurses, physicians, medical technologists, radiologic technologists, pharmacists, midwives, allied health personnel, and support workers who had rendered at least six months of service. Data were collected through a researcher-developed, expert-reviewed, pilot-tested structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, standard deviation, and inferential procedures at the .05 level of significance. Most respondents were 30-39 years old, female, married, bachelor’s degree holders, had 6-10 years of service, and were nurses; representation from provincial and district hospitals was almost equal. Occupational safety practices were strongest in ergonomics and physical safety (GM = 4.43, Always) and incident reporting and compliance (GM = 4.35, Always). Workplace hazard prevention (GM = 4.11), PPE and infection control (GM = 3.74), and safety training and preparedness (GM = 3.54) were rated Often, with regular training attendance and consistent PPE use remaining areas for improvement. Occupational safety resilience was very high across adaptive capacity (GM = 4.59), commitment to safety (GM = 4.59), psychological resilience (GM = 4.58), and social and organizational support (GM = 4.50). The reported inferential analysis indicated significant relationships between one or more safety or resilience dimensions and gender, educational attainment, occupation or profession, area of assignment, years of service, and hospital type, whereas age and civil status were generally not significant. The findings show a positive safety culture and a highly resilient workforce, while underscoring the need for continuous competency-based safety education, reliable PPE management, stronger supervisory support, and sustained monitoring. An Occupational Safety and Resilience Enhancement Policy were proposed to strengthen workforce protection, well-being, emergency preparedness, and evidence-based safety governance in the hospitals of Abra.