Time to revisit policies, OSH issues in hospitals
are known to be one of the most hazardous places to work in. The Health Ministry should revisit policies and look into occupational safety and health (OSH) issues in hospitals.
This will help the ministry to identify problems and seek solutions for work-related injuries and illnesses in public and private hospitals.
I am told that among the OSH issues are a lack of awareness and interest to learn and make good OSH practices as a culture at the workplace. Some OSH committee members do not understand their roles, while some hospital staff are not aware of their company’s OSH policy.
There are also staff who do not follow standard operating procedures such as the requirement to wear personal protective equipment and medical staff who are exposed to sharp or needlestick injuries caused by hypodermic needles.
At the launch of the World OSH Day Celebration at KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital in Kota Kinabalu recently, I stressed the importance of good OSH practice and road safety among hospital staff.
Hospital work can be surprisingly dangerous and according to the United States Bureau of Labour Statistics, the likelihood of injury or illness is higher in hospitals than in construction and manufacturing sites.
In the US, hospitals recorded 253,700 work-related injuries and illnesses, a rate of 6.8 work-related injuries and illnesses for every 100 full-time employees in 2011. This is almost twice the rate for a private industry as a whole.
Injuries and illnesses come at a high cost as hospitals have to pay compensation and medical costs when an employee gets hurt on the job. It will be more costly and damaging if there is death.
Workplace safety also affects patients as a caregiver’s fatigue, injury and stress are tied to a higher risk of medication errors and patient infections.
Hospitals must increase awareness of commuting accidents. A total of 554 such cases were recorded involving various categories of health personnel serving in hospitals from 2014 to 2016. It was reported that the highest number of accidents involved nurses, followed by healthcare assistants, assistant medical officers, drivers and food preparation assistants.