Assessment of Laboratory Safety Practices in Science-Based Technical Subjects in Ekiti State

This study assesses the status of laboratory safety practices in science-based technical subjects in secondary schools in Ekiti State, South West Nigeria. Laboratory safety is a fundamental concern in technical and vocational education, where students regularly handle equipment, chemicals, and electrical installations that pose physical hazards. Inadequate safety practices increase the risk of accidents and inhibit full student engagement in practical activities. A descriptive survey design is employed, with 220 students and 55 technical teachers across 18 secondary schools in Ado-Ekiti, Ijero, and Oye local government areas. A validated safety practice checklist and a student safety knowledge questionnaire serve as instruments. Direct observations are conducted to assess physical safety conditions in workshops and science laboratories. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis are applied. Findings are expected to reveal widespread deficiencies in personal protective equipment availability, first aid readiness, fire safety infrastructure, and student safety orientation. The study also examines the relationship between school type, ownership, and safety practice compliance. Recommendations include mandatory safety audits for all technical education facilities, integration of safety education into the technical education curriculum, and establishment of teacher safety training certification requirements. The study contributes to occupational health and safety discourse in Nigerian secondary education and provides practical guidance for school safety inspectors and state education quality assurance officers in Ekiti State. Keywords: laboratory safety, technical subjects, Ekiti State, safety practices, vocational education