Occupational Health and Safety in Hospitals
Occupational Health and Safety in Hospitals
Introduction
·
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in
hospitals refers to the policies, programs, and practices designed to protect
healthcare workers, administrative staff, and support staff from
workplace-related injuries, illnesses, and hazards.
·
Hospitals are unique workplaces because they
expose employees to biological, chemical, physical, ergonomic, and
psychosocial risks on a daily basis.
·
The World Health Organization (WHO) and
International Labour Organization (ILO) emphasize that ensuring safety in
healthcare not only protects employees but also enhances patient safety,
reduces absenteeism, improves productivity, and ensures regulatory compliance.
Universal Precautions
·
Universal precautions are a set of infection
prevention practices applied to all patients regardless of diagnosis or
infection status to prevent transmission of bloodborne pathogens (like HIV,
HBV, HCV) and other infections.
Key Components
- Hand
Hygiene
- Wash
hands before and after patient contact.
- Use
alcohol-based hand rubs when soap and water are not available.
- Critical
after contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated surfaces.
- Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Gloves:
for handling blood, secretions, body fluids, mucous membranes, or broken
skin.
- Gowns/Aprons:
when splashes or sprays are likely.
- Masks,
Eye Protection, Face Shields: for protection from droplet or aerosol
exposure.
- Safe
Handling of Sharps
- Use
needle cutters and puncture-proof sharps containers.
- Do
not recap, bend, or manually remove used needles.
- Follow
post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) protocols for needle-stick injuries.
- Environmental
Cleaning
- Regular
disinfection of surfaces, beds, trolleys, and equipment.
- Proper
sterilization (autoclaving, chemical sterilization) for instruments.
- Waste
Management
- Segregation
of biomedical waste at the point of generation (color-coded bins).
- Safe
disposal of infectious, chemical, and sharps waste.
- Respiratory
Hygiene
- Covering
nose and mouth when coughing/sneezing.
- Use
of N95 masks in airborne precautions (e.g., TB, COVID-19).
Occupational Hazards in Hospitals
1. Administrative Offices
- Hazards:
- Ergonomic
issues (poor posture, repetitive strain injuries).
- Stress
from workload, long working hours, or administrative pressure.
- Indoor
air quality concerns (poor ventilation, dust).
- Eye
strain from prolonged computer use.
- Control
Measures:
- Ergonomically
designed chairs, desks, and computer screens.
- Regular
breaks and workplace exercises.
- Adequate
lighting and ventilation.
- Stress
management programs.
2. CSSD (Central Sterile Supply
Department)
- Hazards:
- Exposure
to infectious agents while handling contaminated instruments.
- Burns
and injuries from autoclaves, boilers, and sterilizers.
- Inhalation
of sterilizing chemicals (e.g., ethylene oxide, glutaraldehyde).
- Cuts
from sharp instruments during cleaning.
- Control
Measures:
- Mandatory
use of PPE (gloves, masks, aprons, goggles).
- Proper
training in handling contaminated equipment.
- Ventilation
and exhaust systems for sterilization rooms.
- Mechanical
washers instead of manual scrubbing.
- Hazards:
- Exposure
to infectious materials from soiled linen.
- Accidents
from heavy machinery (washing machines, dryers, steam presses).
- Chemical
exposure (detergents, disinfectants, bleach).
- Risk
of slips, trips, and falls from wet floors.
- Control
Measures:
- Color-coded
segregation of contaminated linen.
- Staff
training in safe handling and disinfection protocols.
- Use
of gloves, masks, aprons, and boots.
- Adequate
ventilation and non-slippery flooring.
4. Radiology Department
- Hazards:
- Radiation
exposure from X-rays, CT scans, fluoroscopy.
- Chemical
hazards from contrast media and processing solutions.
- Ergonomic
hazards from moving patients and equipment.
- Control
Measures:
- Lead
aprons, thyroid shields, and protective goggles.
- Radiation
monitoring badges (dosimeters).
- Compliance
with Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) safety standards.
- Regular
machine calibration and quality assurance checks.
5. Dietary Department (Hospital Kitchen)
- Hazards:
- Burns,
cuts, slips, and falls while cooking.
- Food
contamination and infection risk.
- Chemical
hazards from cleaning agents.
- Heat
stress in poorly ventilated kitchens.
- Control
Measures:
- Use
of protective gloves, aprons, and footwear.
- Strict
food hygiene and safety protocols (HACCP guidelines).
- Regular
pest control and sanitation.
- Fire
safety training and extinguishers.
6. Morgue
- Hazards:
- Exposure
to infectious agents from dead bodies.
- Chemical
hazards from preservatives like formalin.
- Psychological
stress and trauma from dealing with cadavers.
- Risk
of injuries from sharp instruments (scalpels, saws).
- Control
Measures:
- Full
PPE (gloves, masks, aprons, goggles, boots).
- Adequate
ventilation and fume hoods for chemical use.
- Vaccination
of staff (Hepatitis B, Influenza, Tetanus).
- Psychological
support programs and counseling.
Workplace Stress in Hospitals
·
Workplace stress is one of the most common but
often ignored occupational hazards in healthcare settings.
Causes of Stress
- Long
working hours and shift duties.
- High
workload and staff shortages.
- Exposure
to critically ill or dying patients.
- Workplace
violence or abuse from patients/relatives.
- Lack
of recognition or career progression.
Effects of Stress
- Physical:
headaches, insomnia, hypertension.
- Emotional:
anxiety, depression, burnout.
- Professional:
decreased productivity, absenteeism, medical errors.
Stress Management Strategies
- Organizational
Level:
- Adequate
staffing and shift rotation.
- Encouragement
of teamwork and communication.
- Employee
assistance programs (EAPs).
- Individual
Level:
- Time
management and relaxation techniques (yoga, meditation).
- Seeking
counseling or peer support.
- Maintaining
work-life balance.
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