Occupational Health and Safety Management and Nurses’ Productivity (Healthcare Delivery): Evidence from Public Hospitals in Ghana

Abstract

The issue of occupational health and safety (OHS) management is gaining significant attention among scholars in this millennium and there is the need for hospitals providing healthcare in developing countries to formulate policies and take the necessary actions that lead to creating a conducive work environment and improving productivity. This study, therefore, examined the effect of occupational health and safety on the service delivery of healthcare workers (nurses) in Ghana. The study also assessed which OHS dimension highly predicts healthcare delivery. The study adopted a quantitative research methodology. Nurses of selected public hospitals in Ghana were sampled. The proposed research model was tested empirically through a survey of 286 valid and usable questionnaires using partial least squares (PLS) and structural equation modelling (SEM) tool to analyze the data to address the hypothesized relationships. The study shows that OHS management positively predicts nurses‘ productivity (healthcare delivery). Additionally, the results indicate that OHS practice significantly improves performance. However, OHS induction and training proved to be a better predictor of business values than Safety regulations and safety inspections and audits. This study, therefore, concludes that OHS investment must not be seen as a cost center, but a tool which gives the organization certain direct benefits such as reduced staff absenteeism and sick-offs due to workplace injury, ability to meet deadlines and set targets, improved service quality and appealing corporate reputations. Therefore, with appropriate OHS management policy in place that promotes positive working environment to safeguard employees from sustaining injuries and illness at the public hospitals, nurses will be willing to perform and deliver good healthcare to patients.