Assessment of Workplace Hazards and Occupational Safety Practices Among Nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri

Background: Healthcare workers, including nurses, face significant occupational hazards including biological, chemical, and ergonomic risks. Awareness and adherence to safety practices are prerequisites for a healthy nursing workforce. Aim: This study assessed workplace hazards and occupational safety practices among nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State. Methods: A descriptive survey design was adopted. One hundred registered nurses were recruited through stratified random sampling. A structured questionnaire addressing hazard awareness, personal protective equipment use, and incident reporting was administered. Data were analysed using frequency tables and chi-square. Results: Biological hazards, particularly needlestick injuries, were cited by 68% of nurses as most prevalent. Only 47% consistently used full personal protective equipment. Reporting of needlestick injuries to occupational health was done by only 39% of affected nurses. Educational level and workplace safety training were positively associated with safe practice. Conclusion: Occupational hazard exposure is high and safety practices inadequate among nurses. Systematic needlestick injury surveillance, mandatory safety training, hepatitis B immunisation campaigns, and a supportive incident reporting culture are urgently required. Keywords: occupational hazards, nursing safety, needlestick injuries, Owerri, healthcare workers.