Ergonomic, Safety and Environmental Health Status of Primary Schools in Markazi Province / Iran in 2003-2004

Abstract: Introduction: A child’s world centers around the home, school and the local community. These should be healthy places. But in reality, these places are often so unhealthy that they underlie majority of accident and disease among children in the developing world. The aim of this study was to determine ergonomic, safety and environmental health status at primary schools in Markazi province. Material and Methods: It was a descriptive – cross – sectional study, that performed at 210 primary schools in Markazi province. These schools were selected randomly by stratified method. The data were collected through a check list and observation. Results: Only 21.2 percent of schools had acceptable environmental health status. There was significant difference between urban and rural schools and between girls, boys and girls – boys schools. 18.1 percent of schools had good safety condition. There was significant difference between urban and rural schools and between girls, boys and girls – boys schools. 25.6 percent of schools had appropriate ergonomic condition. There was significant difference between urban and rural schools. Conclusion: According to results safety, ergonomic and environmental health status are very far from acceptable condition. These findings may be related to supervision of environmental health at schools, defects in designing, building, and maintenance of schools, change in users of schools and safety culture. Keywords: Environmental health, Safety, Ergonomic, Primary school