Occupational hazards in the health sector (2024)

The most common occupational infections of concern in the health sector are tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS and respiratory infections (coronaviruses, influenza).

Lifting, transferring, repositioning and moving patients without using proper techniques or handing equipment can cause musculoskeletal injury (e.g., back injury and chronic back pain).

The most common hazardous chemicals in the health sector include cleaning and disinfecting agents, sterilants, mercury, toxic drugs, pesticides, latex and laboratory chemicals and reagents.

Ionizing (x-rays, radionuclides) and non-ionizing radiation (UV, lasers) exposure may occur in health-care settings and pose specific risk to the health and safety of health workers.

Time pressure, lack of control over work tasks, long working hours, shift work, lack of support and moral injury are important risk factors for occupational stress, burnout and fatigue among health workers.

These are incidents involving work-related abuse, threats or assaults among health workers including physical, sexual, verbal and psychological abuse and workplace harassment.

These are work related factors, such as thermal discomfort (heat or cold stress) and noise, which may cause harm to a health worker.

Common injuries among health workers are slips, trips and falls, road traffic injuries (ambulance crashes, motorbike and bicycle injuries), electric shock, explosions and fire.

Unsafe and insufficient water for drinking and washing, inadequate sanitation and hygiene, hazardous healthcare waste and climate related risks may cause work-related diseases and injuries among health workers.