The Safety of Apprentices in Small and Medium-Sized Dressmaking Enterprises in Ghana

Safety and health practices must be an integral part of our daily lives, especially in our places of work. The proper practice of safe and healthy working procedure is a necessary requisite in achieving success. The rate and manner at which dressmaking apprentice’s abuse safety practices in the Hohoe Municipality makes one wonder as to whether apprentices have any knowledge at all on safe working conditions in the fashion industry. This study sought to find out the knowledge level of apprentices on workshop safety and healthy environmental practices. It also sought to find out why apprentices do not observe safety practices when undergoing training. One hundred (100) sewing centers were selected from different training shops in the municipality. The descriptive research design was used to examine the nature of prevailing conditions, practices and attitudes of apprentices on workshop safety and healthy environmental practices in the Hohoe municipality. Questionnaire, interview and observation were employed to obtain data from respondents. Simple descriptive tables and percentages, graphs and charts were used to analyze the data. The study indicated that, apprentices in first and second cycle institution have little or no knowledge at all on workshop safety and healthy environmental practices. The study revealed that apprentices’ show ignorance of their safety when working, hence are not protected against accidents and hazards. The findings made it evident that, apprentices were not aware of the effects of hazards and accidents on their training and ultimately their lives. The study recommended that trainers must educate apprentices on workshop safety and related studies.

Safety and health practices must be an integral part of our daily lives, especially in our places of work. The proper practice of safe and healthy working procedure is a necessary requisite in achieving success. The rate and manner at which dressmaking apprentice’s abuse safety practices in the Hohoe Municipality makes one wonder as to whether apprentices have any knowledge at all on safe working conditions in the fashion industry. This study sought to find out the knowledge level of apprentices on workshop safety and healthy environmental practices. It also sought to find out why apprentices do not observe safety practices when undergoing training. One hundred (100) sewing centers were selected from different training shops in the municipality. The descriptive research design was used to examine the nature of prevailing conditions, practices and attitudes of apprentices on workshop safety and healthy environmental practices in the Hohoe municipality. Questionnaire, interview and observation were employed to obtain data from respondents. Simple descriptive tables and percentages, graphs and charts were used to analyze the data. The study indicated that, apprentices in first and second cycle institution have little or no knowledge at all on workshop safety and healthy environmental practices. The study revealed that apprentices’ show ignorance of their safety when working, hence are not protected against accidents and hazards. The findings made it evident that, apprentices were not aware of the effects of hazards and accidents on their training and ultimately their lives. The study recommended that trainers must educate apprentices on workshop safety and related studies.