PERCEPTION, SAFETY PRACTICES AND FACTORS AFFECTING USE OF PROTECTIVE GEARS BY STUDENTS IN SELECTED TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS IN CENTRAL KENYA

Abstract

Training in technical institutions has a large component of the learning processes taking place in workshops and laboratories with a high likelihood of encountering injuries. This study investigated perception on use of protective gears and safety practices by students in workshops and laboratories in Technical Institutions in Central Kenya. Perceptions, safety practices and factors affecting use of protective gears by students in selected Technical institutions safety were investigated. Stratified sampling was used to select three Technical Institutions in the study namely, Nyeri Technical, Mathenge Institute, and Rwika Technical. Qualitative data was collected using questionnaires to a sample of 119 respondents in the participating departments. In all the three institutions sampled in the study, there was compliance with use of safety gears namely, helmets, face masks, hand gloves, knee caps and gum boots. 79% of the respondents agreed that use of protective gears was important, 55% indicated that there were inadequate protective gears in their institutions. 56% confirmed using protective gear and 97.5% felt that there was need for training on use of protective gears. Respondents had a positive attitude towards the use of protective gears with 82.4% indicating that they were comfortable with the use of protective gears. 70% indicated that use of protective gears was affected by availability, knowledge and institutional policy on use of protective gears. Availability of signage indicating need for use of protective gears was identified as a safety measure. The study concluded that Students in Technical Institutions in Central Kenya understand the need for using protective gears. There is need for training institutions to avail protective gears to train students on safe use of protective gears and to put in place safety policies to ensure adherence to safety practices in workshops and laboratories.