APPRAISAL OF SAFETY PRACTICES AT THE FASHION DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF TAKORADI TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

The importance of safety at the workplace cannot be overemphasized. The research was conducted at the Fashion Design and Technology department of Takoradi Technical University. Unfortunately, many safety precautions are overlooked with time. Users of sewing equipment and tools tend to believe they have gained enough experience over time with regard to handling same, so refuse to protect themselves with any protective gadgets. This study was therefore to identify the need for safety in the above-mentioned department through general risk assessment, examining what safety measures and practices were being followed, and the effect of accidents on work performance by examining some performance enhancers. The paper adopted the descriptive approach in analyzing issues. Primary data were obtained for analysis using questionnaire, in addition to some secondary sources of data. It was found out that some limited amount of security measures was observed. It was generally agreed that accidents or failure to observe safety practices resulted in delayed or uncompleted assignments. The major complaints included limited classroom space and workshop space, and inadequate sewing equipment for numerous students which impeded supervision and learning. It was recommended that the production unit (workshop) and classrooms be spacious and equipped with modern working equipment.