HYGIENE OF OCCUPATION: RISK OF OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES IN HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Аннотация

Occupational hygiene in healthcare settings addresses the identification, evaluation, and control of risks that can cause occupational diseases among healthcare workers (HCWs). This narrative review synthesizes prevalence data on injuries, infections, chemical exposures, ergonomic hazards, and psychosocial stressors in HCWs worldwide. Data sources included PubMed, WHO, OSHA, and NIOSH databases. Findings show that 39–60% of HCWs experience occupational injuries annually or over their careers; bloodborne infections remain a critical risk; chemical and ergonomic hazards contribute substantially to disease burden; and psychosocial risks are rising. Effective control measures—engineering controls, administrative policies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and training—are discussed. Two tables summarize prevalence rates and control strategies. Recommendations call for strengthening occupational hygiene programs through risk assessments, surveillance, and policyenforcement. Keywords:Occupational hygiene, healthcare workers, occupational diseases, bloodborne pathogens, musculoskeletal disorders, chemical exposures, ergonomic hazards, psychosocial risks