An investigation of knowledge and awareness levels ofhealthcare students regarding occupational health and safety,occupational diseases and first aid

Occupational health and safety (OHS), occupational diseases, and first aid knowledge and awareness among students enrolled in health services programs are critically important both for their individual professional competence and for the protection of public health. Students who complete their internships in healthcare institutions are exposed to various biological, chemical, physical, and ergonomic risks, and their level of awareness regarding these risks directly influences their safe working behaviors. This study aims to assess health services students' level of knowledge about OHS, occupational diseases, and first aid, to examine their attitudes towards safety culture, and to identify deficiencies in their educational processes. Within the scope of the research, students' status of receiving OHS training, their work accident experiences, and their risk perceptions were analyzed. The findings indicate that, although students possess theoretical knowledge, they have shortcomings in practical skills, and that safe working habits are influenced by the quality of education and the conditions of their internships. The study reveals the necessity of more comprehensive, practice-based, and sustainable OHS training for students receiving vocational education in the field of health. It contributes to the literature as one of the first studies conducted on this subject in public schools.