Relationship between Safety Awareness and Safety Compliance in Small and Medium Scale Enterprise in Akwa-Ibom State Nigeria

The study aims to evaluate the relationship between safety awareness and compliance with safety behaviours in small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria. The study employed a purposive non-probability sampling technique combined with cluster sampling, surveying 179 respondents across various manufacturing sectors. Data were collected using the Occupational Safety and Compliance of SMEs Questionnaire (OSCSMEQ) and a safety audit checklist. Descriptive statistics, Pearson Correlation Analysis, and multiple linear regression were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed a critical need for improvement in job safety, coworker awareness, supervisor engagement, and management commitment within Akwa Ibom SMEs. Strong positive degree & level of significance between job safety awareness and compliance, coworker awareness and compliance and supervisor awareness and compliance underscore the significance of safety knowledge and leadership in shaping adherence to safety protocols. Top management's commitment emerges as a key influencer not only on compliance but also on worker satisfaction with safety programs.