Occupational Risks and Health Promotion for Healthcare Workers

Abstract

In the current era where countries are working towards "Health for All" as a part of the Sustainable Developmental Goals, it is high time that due priority is given to the health of healthcare workers (HCWs) too. The HCWs are at risk for numerous occupational hazards ranging from infections, injuries, to stress and burnout. The workers at risk are not just doctors but also nurses, laboratory technicians and other paramedical workers, housekeeping staff, and miscellaneous staff. The busy schedule coupled with bad work hours lead to lesser physical activity, poor diet, and increased risk for many non-communicable diseases. The reluctance to seek medical care and the barriers in utilizing healthcare increases occupations risks accordingly. The way forward is prevention, and it involves health education of HCW, complete health checkups during the employment, and specific occupational health service units along with safety officers and administrative decisions to make the hospital a safe workplace environment. A good system of preventive strategies will help in improving the work-related health and quality of life of HCWs.

Burnout and its associated factors among medical laboratory professional in public hospitals of Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

“…19 The possible reason might be that laboratory investigations may put pressure on professionals when sitting in front of a computer for a long time, focusing on the microscope, bending over the nature of the work, and manipulating various laboratory chemicals. 3 Burnout among the MLPs is associated with individuals having addictive behavior, including alcohol drinking, drug abuse, cigarette smoking, and not having family relationships. Nevertheless, a similar finding was obtained from the southwest part of Ethiopia.…”

“…When these activities are not ergonomic, they will cause workplace burnout and stress or further negatively impact health, regulate these activities so that you can accomplish work without distraction. 3 Burnout may affect work performance negatively and cause reduced efficacy and lower productivity. 4 Due to increased efficiency requirements, lower operating budgets, and faster response times, medical laboratory professionals faced job burnout risks and consequences related to laboratory errors.…”