Assessment of Safety Practices in Science Laboratories of Secondary Schools in Ogun State

This study assessed laboratory safety practices in secondary school science laboratories in Ogun State, Nigeria. Laboratory accidents remain a recurring concern in Nigerian secondary schools, with incidents linked to inadequate safety infrastructure, poor teacher supervision, and students' limited knowledge of hazard management protocols. A descriptive survey design was employed. The target population comprised Science laboratory teachers, laboratory technicians, and school safety officers from public secondary schools across Ogun East, Ogun Central, and Ogun West senatorial districts. A total of 220 respondents were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a Laboratory Safety Practices Checklist and a structured questionnaire validated by safety engineers and Science Education experts. Cronbach's Alpha reliability was 0.79. Descriptive statistics and frequency tables were used in analysis. Findings revealed widespread non-compliance with standard safety practices, including absence of fire extinguishers in many laboratories, non-use of personal protective equipment by students, and improper storage of chemical reagents. Schools with certified laboratory technicians recorded higher safety compliance scores. The study recommended mandatory safety audits, installation of first aid stations and proper chemical storage facilities, and integration of laboratory safety education into the Science curriculum. Keywords: laboratory safety, science education, secondary schools, Ogun State, hazard management.