Case Study on Safety Culture in Chemical Laboratories in Western Province, Sri Lanka

Abstract

A laboratory where chemicals are handled can be considered as a hazardous environment and hence, prudential practices should be strictly enforced. In Sri Lanka and around the world, there are numerous reports of accidents involving injuries such as deaths from chemical laboratories due to lack of safety rules. The purpose of this case study was to analyse the safety culture and the level of safety regulations existing within the chemical laboratories in Sri Lanka. A survey was conducted with the supervisors of the final year students (academic year 2018/2019) who attended industrial training at laboratories in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, representing both the private and government sector. Even though 80 surveys were distributed among 80 laboratories, only 46 surveys were submitted. The majority of the individuals who participated in the survey were between the age of 30 - 35, and none were below 20 years. Regardless of the working experience among the participants, 80% of them continue in the same workplace with the intention of moderate self-perceived risks. However, the majority considers safety an important factor with improved safety inspections compared to previous years. About half of the surveyed individuals stated that monthly inspections were carried out while 54% of the respondents mentioned that it was attended to by the employees from the laboratory. An astounding number of participants were prepared to take action in case of an emergency as they were aware of the location of the safety equipment and how to handle it. This study shows that the participants have positive attitudes towards the laboratory safety rules and inspections. However, the safety culture should be improved further to minimize laboratory related accidents or injuries.