Occupational Health Risks, Safety Practices, and Institutional Gaps among Histopathologists in Nigeria: Evidence from a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Histopathologists are routinely exposed to chemical, biological, physical, and ergonomic hazards that may adversely affect their health and professional performance. Despite increasing recognition of occupational risks in pathology practice, evidence from sub-Saharan Africa remains limited. This study assessed occupational health awareness, safety practices, workplace infrastructure, perceived barriers, and self-reported health effects among histopathologists in Nigeria. Methods: A nationwide descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among consultant histopathologists and pathology residents practicing in Nigeria between February and March 2026. Data were collected using a structured anonymous online questionnaire that assessed occupational hazard awareness, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, workplace safety practices, institutional safety measures, self-reported occupational health effects, and perceived barriers to safe practice. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the findings. Results: Ninety-six histopathologists participated in the survey. Awareness of occupational hazards was high, with all respondents recognising chemical hazards and over 87% identifying biological, ergonomic, physical, and psychological risks. Nevertheless, 52.1% reported having received no formal occupational safety training. Although gloves were routinely used by all respondents, consistent use of comprehensive PPE remained suboptimal, particularly for eye protection (18.8%) and respirators (6.3%). Functional ventilation systems were available in only 27.1% of laboratories, while ergonomic workstations were reported by 31.3%. Respiratory irritation (89.6%), back pain (83.3%), eye irritation (81.3%), work-related stress (70.8%), and neck pain (66.7%) were the most frequently reported health complaints. Most respondents (87.5%) experienced at least one work-related symptom during the preceding year, yet only 22.9% had undergone evaluation or treatment for an occupational health problem. Limited institutional support (76.1%), poor laboratory infrastructure (73.9%), inadequate PPE supply (69.6%), and weak enforcement of safety regulations (69.6%) emerged as the principal barriers to safe practice. Almost all respondents (97.9%) believed that occupational hazards among Nigerian histopathologists are under-recognised. Conclusions: Nigerian histopathologists experience a substantial occupational health burden despite high awareness of workplace hazards. Deficiencies in formal training, engineering controls, ergonomic infrastructure, institutional support, and safety governance contribute to persistent workplace risks and adverse health outcomes. Strengthening occupational safety policies, improving laboratory infrastructure, expanding access to appropriate PPE, implementing regular training programmes, and establishing routine occupational health surveillance are essential to protect the pathology workforce and improve laboratory safety in Nigeria.