Occupational Health for Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia

This report discusses the occupational health hazards faced by healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia and the measures that can be taken to protect them. It covers biological, chemical, ergonomic, and psychological hazards, as well as the importance of personal protective equipment and comfortable equipment.

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A REPORT CONCERNING HEALTHCARE WORKERS OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH IN
SAUDI ARABIA.
Name:
Institutional affiliation:

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INTRODUCTION
Occupational health for healthcare workers is important as they can be a potential source
of infection transmission to patients. Moreso, productivity is improved when the working
environment is favorable and suitable. Some of the occupational hazards healthcare workers are
exposed include biological, chemical, psychological and ergonomic. The hospital administration
and quality assurance services have a role to play to ensure elimination of the hazards.
FUNCTIONS
A hospital provides diagnostic services to patients such as cancer services through CT
scanning and PET services. This is then followed by treatment services by means of drug
administration, surgery and radiotherapy. The hospital also offers preventive treatment in terms
of vaccination and consultative services.
During disasters and outbreak of communicable diseases the hospital provides emergency
services. It provides extensive resources to contain the disease and provide services such as
urgent surgeries in cases of mass disasters. The hospital is a training center for medical students
and postgraduate students as it provides a practical learning environment. Health education such
as prenatal education to expectant clients or after discharge.
HAZARDS
In the hospital setting there are various hazards that healthcare professionals encounter. First are
the biological hazards which refer to direct exposure to diseases such as hepatitis, tuberculosis,
meningitis and HIV/AIDS. This is during handling of infectious specimens such as blood, stool,
saliva and also transportation and investigation of the same. Needle stick injuries highly

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contribute to transmission of hepatitis and HIV/AIDS(Hasak,Novak,Patterson &
Mackinnon,2018.
Healthcare workers are also predisposed to chemical hazards which describe handling of
carcinogenic substances such as chemotherapy and glutaraldehyde. Chemotherapy is known to
be a potential causative agent in leukemia and has mutative effects on the reproductive system.
Glutaraldehyde is used as a disinfectant and has been listed among the potential
carcinogens(Wilbur et.al 2017). Radiation used to treat cancer or in x-rays is a potential
carcinogen.
Lastly ergonomic hazards such as lifting patients, transferring the patients, standing for too long
and slippery floors. This translate in long term back pain, risk for falls and consequently
fractures. Unsuitable furniture results in tissue injury and possible deep venous thrombosis.
MEASURES
There is need to use personal protective equipment while handling infectious microorganisms
such as gloves, gowns and masks. Also, while providing care to highly infectious patients for
example methicillin staphylococcus aureus there is need to use barrier nursing. Vaccination
against hepatitis, meningitis and measles is necessary to protect oneself. Immediate reporting
after needleprick injuries to the relevant authorities.
There is a limited amount of time one should be exposed to carcinogenic substances for example
glutaraldehyde. During handling of chemotherapy and other cytotoxics impermeable personal
protective equipment is used. Spills and leakages are reported immediately and waste is
separated and labeled as highly hazardous.

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Providing hospital equipment that reduces the physical strain of the healthcare workers. This
includes lifts and adjustable beds. This reduces unhealthy postures adopted to accomplish
various tasks. The hospital should have antiskid floors to reduce the possibilities of falls and
consequently fractures. Comfortable seats and desktops to reduce strain while sitting will provide
a comfortable working environment.
CONCLUSION
Healthcare workers are exposed to many occupational hazards and it is necessary to protect them
as they are primary care givers to the patients. Among them are biological, chemical, ergonomic,
psychological hazards. Necessary measures to protect the workers such as vaccination, providing
personal protective equipment and comfortable equipment.

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REFERENCES
Hasak, J. M., Novak, C. B., Patterson, J. M. M., & Mackinnon, S. E. (2018). Prevalence of
needlestick injuries, attitude changes, and prevention practices over 12 years in an urban
academic hospital surgery department. Annals of surgery, 267(2), 291-296.
Wilbur, S. B., Harper, C., Demchuk, E., Ingber, S. Z., Wohlers, D., Citra, M. J., & Kawa, M.
(2017). Toxicological profile for glutaraldehyde.