Schools and Occupational Health and Safety: Perspectives for Developing Countries

Abstract

Occupational health and safety (OHS) services are important for the sustainable development of countries. Education in OHS is needed, specifically in developing countries and schools. Knowledge and awareness about OHS are sparse in low- and middle-income countries. The identification of potential risks and hazards, and their control measures, provide the foundation for a successful safety programme. This paper assesses OHS in schools, in developing countries, and an OHS management framework for schools is established. The methodological steps were to conduct a literature search, identify relevant studies, extract evidence from publications, and synthesise the evidence. The findings provided a basis for the proposed OHS management framework for schools. It was found that OHS are neglected in schools in developing countries, due to insufficient legislation, regulation, and policies. The study recommends that schools and governments work cooperatively to improve OHS. The school management should ensure that a safety culture exists, and health and safety awareness is raised. Schools should also introduce, maintain and develop their OHS activities and built these into their strategic plans, objectives, and policies.

Keywords

• occupational health and safety
• safety framework
• school management
• safety culture
• awareness