Table 4 Respondents’ attitudes towards use of hazardous chemicals
| ATTITUDES | N (%) | N (%) | N (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsafe (score 1–4) | Somewhat safe (score 5–7) | Safe (score 8–10) | |
| Perception of a safe workplace a | 51 (21.5) | 90 (38) | 96 (40.5) |
| Factors contributing to risk of injury b: | Not much (score 1–4) | Enough (score 5–7) | Much (score 8–10) |
| high workload | 25 (10.6) | 67 (28.2) | 145 (61.2) |
| inexperience | 11 (4.6) | 34 (14.4) | 192 (81) |
| inadequate training in safe handling of chemicals | 6 (2.5) | 39 (16.5) | 192 (81) |
| Perception of having received an adequate training regarding c: | Inadequate (score 1–2) | Just adequate (score 3) | Totally adequate (score 4–5) |
| interpretation of the safety data sheet | 46 (19.4) | 54 (22.8) | 137 (57.8) |
| management of accidents and first aid | 57 (24) | 76 (32.1) | 104 (43.9) |
| decontamination procedures in case of accidental spillage of hazardous chemicals | 73 (30.8) | 82 (34.6) | 82 (34.6) |
| use of PPE | 32 (13.5) | 64 (27) | 141 (59.5) |
| Perception of exposure tod: | Not exposed (score 1–2) | Moderately exposed (score 3) | Very exposed (score 4–5) |
| biological risk | 94 (39.7) | 49 (20.6) | 94 (39.7) |
| chemical risk | 38 (16) | 70 (29.6) | 129 (54.4) |
| ionizing radiations risk | 178 (75.1) | 40 (16.9) | 19 (8) |
| environmental risk | 136 (57.4) | 49 (20.7) | 52 (21.9) |
| work-related stress risk, ergonomic factors risk | 73 (30.8) | 59 (24.9) | 105 (44.3) |
| Perception of safety related to occupational activity and colleagues: | Strongly disagree or Disagree | Uncertain | Strongly agree or Agree |
| Exposure to cancerogenic chemicals is extremely low | 123 (51.9) | 31 (13.1) | 83 (35) |
| Safety measures protect from unwanted effects related to exposure to chemicals | 80 (33.7) | 30 (12.7) | 127 (53.6) |
| Proper interpretation of label of all hazardous chemicals can prevent laboratory injuries | 4 (1.7) | 9 (3.8) | 224 (94.5) |
| Proper PPE are available | 52 (21.9) | 40 (16.9) | 145 (61.2) |
| My laboratory colleagues handle chemicals following safety procedures | 52 (21.9) | 44 (18.6) | 141 (59.5) |