Occupational Safety and Health
Last updated on 2/26/26 | First published on 4/19/24 | Literature review current through Mar. 2026
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Topic 2444 Version 1.0
SUBTOPICS
Bloodborne Pathogen and Biological Hazard
Handling Medical WasteOverviewHealthcare settings, including hospitals, doctor's offices, dental clinics, blood banks, veterinary clinics, and research labs, produce various kinds of medical waste. As someone working in healthcare, you might encounter these wastes directly in your role, whether you're involved in patient care, housekeeping, maintenance, or other tasks. It's important to note that some medical waste can pose health risks. This training aims to outline the potenti
Hazard CommunicationIntroduction Hazard communication is an essential aspect of occupational safety and health to protect workers from potential hazards in the workplace. This encompasses safety practices such as labeling of hazardous chemicals, Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provision and employee training programs. These practices are important parts of keeping a safe working environment. Topic Objectives
Musculoskeletal Disorders and Ergonomic InterventionsIntroductionAll healthcare workers who lift and move patients are at high risk for back injury and other musculoskeletal disorders [Owen 1999; Waters et al. 2006]. A work-related musculoskeletal disorder is an injury of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, cartilage, bones, or blood vessels in the extremities or back that is caused or aggravated by work tasks such as lifting, pushing, and pulling [Orr 1997]
Occupational StressIntroductionHome healthcare work involves challenges that are not present in hospital or other in- patient healthcare settings. Not many stud- ies have looked into stress levels of home healthcare workers, but the few studies that have show that home healthcare may be quite stressful. The home setting may in- volve stressors, such as lack of control over work planning, that are risks for shoulder and neck pain, especially when combined with physical risk f
Exposure to Other Hazards7.1 Introduction
Violence in The WorkplaceIntroductionServing patients in the community is the essence of home healthcare. Yet, the com- munity setting makes home healthcare pro- viders more vulnerable to violent assaults. Home healthcare workers face an unpro- tected and unpredictable environment each time they enter the patient’s community and home. According to estimates of the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) [BLS 2007a], 330 nonfatal assaults on home healt
