Browsing by Author "Sesay, Bockarie Pompay"

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Evaluation of occupational health and safety in formal and informal sectors, 2024 - Freetown, Sierra Leone: A workplace-base survey
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-10-09) Sesay, Bockarie Pompay
**Background:** In Sierra Leone, poor access to health and safety measures remains among the causes of occupational hazards. More knowledge is needed on how to support workplace safety and well-being. This study aims to assess occupational health and safety (OHS) measures in both formal and informal sectors, while adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and compliance by sectors. **Methods:** A cross-sectional study of 516 workers (238 formal; 278 informal) assessed occupational health and safety (OHS) practices. Data was collected on safety policy, safety measures, and ergonomics. At 95% significance a logistic regression was computed for statistical analysis to compere compliance level with health and safety measures. **Results:** Significantly more formal-sector (76.9%) had safety policies than informal sector (23.7%). Most participants (81.8%) recognized the importance of emergency exits, though recognition was higher in the formal than informal sector (92.9% vs. 72.3%), respectively. Poor ergonomics were prevalent (54.5%), especially in the formal sector (62.9%). Male were significantly associated with lower odds of OHS compliance compared to female (OR = 0.1; 95% CI: 0.02–0.38; p< 0.001). Regression analysis identified key factors associated with OHS compliance: formal sector employment (aOR=4.9; 95%CI: 0.91-25.90, p=0.064), and awareness of national OHS policy in the workplace (aOR=8.4; 95%CI: 1.78-39.73, p<0.01). **Conclusion:** The study revealed a significant disparity in OHS measures between formal and informal sectors, with formal sectors showing better compliance with OHS procedures. We recommend that employers establish inclusive workplace policies and tailor training programs, and that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security implement comprehensive OHS policies.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Occupational Safety and Health in the Formal and Informal Sectors – 2024, Freetown, Sierra Leone: A Workplace-Base Survey
(SAGE Publishing, 2026-02-26) Sesay, Bockarie Pompay
**Introduction:** Workplaces are vital for Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) knowledge dissemination. This study examines OSH knowledge, attitudes, and practices among formal and informal sector workers in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and their associations with workplace characteristics. **Methods:** A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a validated, semi-structured questionnaire to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, workplace safety factors, and occupational safety indicators. The survey assessed 3 primary outcomes variable adequate knowledge, good attitude, and good practice. Multivariable analyses were used at significant level ( P < .05) to examined associations between independent and outcomes variables. **Results:** The study included 516 respondents, predominantly were male (84.3%). Educational attainment varied, with 23.6% having tertiary education and 4.7% non-formal education. Literacy rates showed 76.6% were literate. Significant disparities emerged between sectors: formal sector workers demonstrated higher rates of adequate knowledge (60.7%), good attitudes (54.9%), and good practices (77.3%) compared to informal workers. Formal sector employment was significantly associated with better OSH outcomes, including knowledge (aOR = 2.4, 95%CI: 1.43-4.15, P < .001) and practices (aOR = 16.2, 95%CI: 2.80-95.81, P < .002). These findings highlight substantial sector-based differences in occupational safety and health indicators. **Conclusion:** This study reveals substantial and significant disparities in occupational safety and health (OSH) between formal and informal sector workers. Formal sectors employment is strongly associated with better OSH outcomes, particularly safer practices, thus, underscoring an urgent need for targeted policy, tailored training programmes, gender-sensitive interventions, and regulatory interventions to protect vulnerable informal workers.
Occupational safety and health in the formal and informal sectors: a workplace-based survey in Freetown, Sierra Leone (2023)
(Springer, 2026-03-25) Sesay, Bockarie Pompay
In Sierra Leone, poor access to health and safety measures remains among the causes of occupational hazards. Further understanding is required regarding how to enhance safety and well-being in the workplace. This study aimed to assess occupational health and safety (OHS) in both the formal and informal sectors while adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and compliance by sector. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 516 participants. Using a multistage stratified sampling approach, data were collected with a validated, semi-structured questionnaire. This instrument measured sociodemographic characteristics, workplace safety policies, safety factors, and primary outcome variables such as compliance. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used at a significant level (p < 0.05) to examine associations between independent and outcome variables. Cross-sectional design captures a moment in time, not a trend, while self-reported data may overstate positive practices. A significantly greater percentage of the formal sector (76.9%) had safety policies than did the informal sector (23.7%). Most participants (81.8%) acknowledged the significance of emergency exits, with a higher level of recognition observed in the formal sector compared to the informal sector (92.9% versus 72.3%, respectively). Poor ergonomics was prevalent (54.5%), especially in the formal sector (62.9%). Male sex was significantly associated with lower odds of OHS compliance than female sex was (OR = 0.1; 95% CI 0.02–0.38; p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed key factors associated with OHS compliance: awareness of national OHS policy in the workplace (aOR = 10.4; 95% CI 1.76–61.20; p < 0.010). The study revealed a significant disparity in OHS measures between the formal and informal sectors, with the formal sector showing better compliance with OHS procedures. We recommend that employers establish inclusive workplace policies and tailor training programmes and that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security implement comprehensive OHS policies.