THE PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF SAFETY AND HEALTH EDUCATION IN ACCIDENTS REDUCTION AMONG UNDERGRADUATES (A CASE STUDY OF LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, EPE CAMPUS)

This study explores the perceived effect of safety and health education on accident reduction among undergraduates at Lagos State University of Education (LASUED). With increasing concerns over the safety and well-being of students in academic environments, the research investigates how awareness and knowledge of safety and health measures influence the occurrence of accidents. Safety and health awareness play a pivotal role in reducing accidents in various environments, including educational institutions. Using stratified random techniques, data were collected through surveys from a representative sample of undergraduates across diverse disciplines. 160 respondents were used as the sample for this study. The total of 5 hypotheses formulated and tested using the Chi-Square (X²) inferential statistic method at 0.05 significance level. The findings indicate that students who received formal safety and health education reported a heightened awareness of potential hazards and demonstrated better risk-mitigation behaviors. Furthermore, the study revealed a significant correlation between safety education and a reduction in the frequency and severity of accidents. Key factors contributing to this trend include improved decision-making, adherence to safety protocols, and proactive engagement in creating safer environments. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of integrating comprehensive safety and health education into undergraduate curricula as a strategic intervention to promote accident reduction and foster a culture of safety within academic institutions.