Occupational Health for Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 1
A REPORT CONCERNING HEALTHCARE WORKERS OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH IN
SAUDI ARABIA.
Name:
Institutional affiliation:

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2
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