scholarly journals Circumstances and Structure of Occupational Sharp Injuries among Healthcare Workers of a Selected Hospital in Central Poland

Author(s):  
Anna Garus-Pakowska ◽  
Magdalena Ulrichs ◽  
Ewelina Gaszyńska

(1) Background: An analysis of work-related sharp injuries in Healthcare Workers (HCWs) based at a selected hospital in Central Poland by presenting the frequency of accidents, injury rates, and identifying circumstances of Needle Sticks and Sharp Injuries (NSSI) and giving Post-Exposure Procedures (PEP). (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical documentation regarding work-related NSSI at a district hospital located in central Poland; over the period 2010–2017. The study group included HCWs who had an accident while on duty. (3) Results: Most injuries were reported by nurses and staff over 40, on the morning shift. The most common injuries were using a needle. The most exposed part of the body were fingers. The average annual injury rates were: 1.22/100 Nurses; 2.02/100 doctors; 1.34/100 hospital beds; and 8.59/100,000 inpatient days. The rates for 3-year periods, after the implementation of legal regulations were higher than before. Conclusion: Injuries rates are more reliable for comparison than frequency. Legislation on the need to register injuries seems to be necessary. In the supervision of work safety of personnel, reliable reporting of all injuries by the respective HCWs plays a key role.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.M. Yentis ◽  
◽  
K. Asanati ◽  
C.R. Bailey ◽  
R. Hampton ◽  
...  

3Association of Anaesthetists | Better musculoskeletal health for anaesthetistsSummaryWork-related musculoskeletal disorders are very common amongst healthcare workers, and there is evidence that anaesthetists are at greater risk of upper limb disorders than other groups. This guidance aims to bring together advice and recommendations from a variety of sources in order to inform and support anaesthetists at work, in an attempt to reduce the prevalence and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the exacerbation of pre-existing disorders. Mechanical and psychosocial risk factors for work-associated musculoskeletal disorders are summarised, along with general principles for achieving better musculoskeletal health and practices specific to areas of the body most at risk. These include recommended exercises and stretches during sedentary work.RecommendationsAttention must be paid by both employers and anaesthetists to the physical and psychological risk factors that may lead to development and/or exacerbation of musculoskeletal disorders. This requires ongoing risk assessments and adherence to published standards of health and safety at work, including training. Such a programme is best achieved as part of a multidisciplinary approach.What other guidelines are available on this topic? There are many sources of guidance on health and safety in the workplace, across many sectors, much of which is of relevance to anaesthetists. There is no readily accessible guidance specifically aimed at the anaesthetic workplace.Why was this guideline developed?This guidance was developed as part of a wider piece of work by the Association of Anaesthetists based around ergonomics of the anaesthetic workplace, as a result of the increased reported incidence of musculoskeletal disorders amongst anaesthetists. It aims to draw on existing guidance and present a summary of advice relevant to anaesthetists and their practice.How and why does this publication differ from existing guidelines?This guidance summarises other advice and recommendations, and focuses on factors relevant to the anaesthetic workplace


2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 289-297
Author(s):  
Roko Žaja ◽  
Ivana Kerner ◽  
Milan Milošević ◽  
Jelena Macan

Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be diagnosed as occupational disease by an occupational health physician (OHP), if supported by relevant work-related and medical documentation. The aim of this study was to analyse such documentation submitted by Croatian healthcare workers (HCWs) and discuss its relevance in view of European and Croatian guidelines. The study included 100 Croatian HCWs who were SARS-CoV-2-positive and requested that their infection be diagnosed as occupational disease by their OHPs from 1 May 2020 to 10 March 2021. As participants they were asked to fill out our online Occupational COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers Questionnaire. For the purpose of this study we analysed answers about the type of close contact at the workplace, COVID-19 symptoms, and enclosed work-related (job description, employer statement about exposure to SARS-CoV-2) and medical documentation (positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test and patient history confirming the diagnosis of COVID-19). Most participants were working in hospitals (N=95), mostly nurses (N=75), who became infected by a patient (N=68) or colleague (N=31), and had at least one COVID-19 symptom (N=87). Eighty participants did not enclose obligatory documents, 41 of whom failed to submit job description and 31 both job description and employer statement. These findings confirm that the major risk of occupational COVID-19 in HCWs is close contact with patients and colleagues, and points out the need for better cooperation between OHPs, occupational safety experts, employers, and diseased workers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ekta . ◽  
Manju Mehta ◽  
Praveen Kumar Sharma

A musculoskeletal disorder is highly dependent on the workplace design. The workers whose job requires repetitive tasks, are more prone to this disorder. Textile industry is one of the labor intensive industries and most of its jobs require continuous engagement with the work. Sewing machine operators in this sector due to workplace design are facing high risk of health issues due to focused attention and static posture of the body. Understanding the health issues linked with continuous working hours and static posture need to be addressed. Both Government and non- government organizations need to be better involved in designing interventions targeting these people and protecting them from such health risks.The present study was conducted in Hisar district from Haryana state in which respondents were selected randomly. Total number of respondents were 60 in which 28 were males and 32 were females with objectives to assess work organization and work space design and to find out the occupational health problems and musculoskeletal symptoms among sewing machine operators. The results showed that maximum numbers of the respondents (68.4%) were took break of fixed duration and (53.4%) respondents were work along with others. Majority (43.3%) respondents were the first experience of MSK symptoms from 7 days to 12 months followed by (33.3%) respondents in 2-3 years.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Dorelli ◽  
R A Cocchiara ◽  
G Gholamalishahi ◽  
W Longo ◽  
E Musumeci ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Several studies show positive effects of new non-medical therapies known as complementary and alternative medicines, such as the discipline of tai chi. As healthcare professions are among the most vulnerable for work-related stress, this systematic review aims to investigate the relationship between tai chi practice and wellness of healthcare workers. Methods Cinahl, Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed were searched in September 2019. Full-text articles, written in English and published after 1995, were recruited if they focused on positive effects of tai chi on the psychophysical wellbeing of healthcare workers, in comparison with alternative techniques (such as yoga or traditional care). Outcomes were reduced work-related stress, better physical and psychological function, improvement in attention and/or productivity; no restrictions about study design were applied. Quality assessment was performed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale on cohort/cross-sectional studies, the Jadad scale for randomized clinical trial, AMSTAR for systematic reviews and CASE REPORT scale for case study. Results 6/111 papers were included: 3 clinical trials, 1 observational study, 1 systematic review and 1 case report. The methodological quality was of medium level. 2/3 trials found a significant increase in individuals' wellbeing and improvements in stress levels and nursing staff’s motivation in their work. In the observational study tai chi was a prevalent mind-body practice to reduce stress. The systematic review suggested that tai chi could be a useful tool to reduce stress-related chronic pain. In case report the effectiveness was observed in medical students. Conclusions This study highlights the full potential and possible benefits derived from tai chi but its application to improve health professionals' wellbeing is still limited, and the absence of a standardized intervention impacts on the methodological quality and reduces the robustness of the retrieved evidence. Key messages Tai chi can improve many pathological conditions and reduce work-related stress. Further research is needed to gain robust evidence of its efficacy for wellbeing of healthcare workers.


Author(s):  
Katarzyna Zadka ◽  
Ewelina Pałkowska-Goździk ◽  
Danuta Rosołowska-Huszcz

The percentage of children with vitamin D deficiency in Poland is alarming. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge about sources of food and the function of vitamin D, as well as the frequency of its supplementation. A survey was conducted among the parents of children from Central Poland attending primary schools, and a questionnaire containing mainly open-ended questions was used to collect the data. Most mothers knew at least one of the functions of vitamin D in the body but had a low level of knowledge about its dietary sources. Only a small group of respondents supplemented themselves and their children with vitamin D. Statistically significant influences on the level of knowledge about the functions and sources of vitamin D were place of residence (i.e., better knowledge in the countryside) and mothers’ level of education (i.e., the better educated, the greater knowledge). In the case of monthly income level, such impact was observed only in relation to the knowledge of vitamin D functions. Concerning the frequency of supplementation, only maternal level of education had a statistically significant effect (i.e., the higher the education level, the higher the frequency of supplementation). In addition, mothers who were aware of functions of vitamin D and nutritional sources, significantly more frequently supplemented vitamin D.


2020 ◽  
Vol 08 (11) ◽  
pp. 5174-5178
Author(s):  
Ashish Kumar Gupta ◽  
Shalini Gupta ◽  
Pankaj Gupta ◽  
Ashok Gupta

Science of Marma known as Marma Vigyanam is a dynamic part, specially described in Sushrut samhita and other Ayurvedic classics. According to Sushrut Mamsa, Sira, Snayu, Asthi, and Sandhi, these five elements collectively present at Marma point. This is the peculiarity of Marma.1 Marmas are the vital points on the body having importance regarding surgical procedure and traumatic effect. It is also known as Ayurvedic Accupressure. In this paper, three similar cases of pain and stiffness in shoulder joints are presented, who has attended OPD of District Hospital Shivaji Nagar, Bhopal. In during the clinical examination partially restriction of shoulder movement is also recorded. The case was initially treated with Marma therapy mainly the stimulation of bilateral Bahu Marma along withAmsa Marma for instant pain management. After the treatment of about ten minutes the patient got relief in pain and stiffness and felt lightness in surrounding area of painful place. Amsa Marma manipulation can be used to give instant relief from Shoulder pain effectively.


2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-80
Author(s):  
Abdur Rahim ◽  
Md Moniruzzan ◽  
Rashedul Hassan ◽  
Monira Sarmin ◽  
Md Abdullah Yusuf ◽  
...  

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is rare in Bangladesh although very few case reports are seen since last few years. But Visceral Leishmaniasis (kala azar) and PKDL are common in this region. In country like ours where tuberculosis and leprosy are more prevalent Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is very likely to be mistreated as Cutaneous tuberculosis especially lupus vulgaris or leprosy. Cases of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) are usually imported to Bangladesh from other endemic countries. A patient from an endemic area of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, a non-healing nodulo-ulcerative lesion on exposed part of the body, dermal infiltration with lymphocytes, histiocytes and plasma cells and demonstration of intracellular parasites in lesional skin establish the diagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. We present a case of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in a Bangladeshi adult working in Saudi Arabia for more than 15 years. He presented with multiple ulcerative lesions on nasal bridge, right ear lobule and dorsum of right ring finger. The patient’s clinical history, morphology of the lesions and laboratory analysis were consistent with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, a rare entity for Bangladesh.Bangladesh J Medicine Jul 2014; 25 (2) : 78-80


Author(s):  
Gh Halvani ◽  
H Fallah ◽  
R Jafari Nodoushan ◽  
A Haji hosseini ◽  
H Fallah zadeh ◽  
...  

Introduction: The condition of work in handloom weaving industries cause musculoskeletal (MSDS) disorders which are the most prevailing professional problem among weavers. The aim of this research was to determine ergonomic risk factors in the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. Method: The present study was done through descriptive cross-section method to assess the risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the weavers. Our data collection tools were: demographic questionnaire, job Nordic questionnaire and body map prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders to decide the rate of symptoms. Then, we took film from handloom weavers while wearing to know the condition of their bodies. After reviewing the films, the posture marks was assigned to each duty using the Ergo Intelligence software. At the end, data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA and T-test using SPSS ver.20. Results: The results showed that the most frequent incidence of pain in different organs of the body during last year belonged to neck and shoulder. The average OCRA was 3.65.This indicated that most of the handloom weavers (64.4%) are at high risk. Conclusion: According to the re According to the results of OCRA indices, weavers are at high risk for musculoskeletal injuries, indicating their poor working environment and working conditions, indicating the need for corrective actions.


Author(s):  
Dedora Regina Reducino ◽  
Silvia David Felippe ◽  
Marisa Ferreira da Silva Lima

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar as ocorrências de subnotificação de acidente perfurocortante entre trabalhadores de enfermagem no Hospital Geral de Vila Penteado. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de campo exploratória com abordagem quantitativa, foi utilizado questionário contendo 9 perguntas fechadas e 2 abertas, relacionadas aos dados de conhecimento sobre acidente de trabalho, notificação e subnotificação. Conclui-se que os trabalhadores de enfermagem apresentam desconhecimento sobre o fluxograma de notificação de acidente de trabalho e com a implantação de programas de educação continuada com elaboração de treinamentos e esclarecimento sobre a importância da notificação de acidente de trabalho trará mudanças benéficas para os trabalhadores.Descritores: Acidente de Trabalho, Exposição Ocupacional, Risco Biológico. Occurrence of sub notifications of needle sticks injurie in nursingAbstract: The aim of this research was to identify the occurrence of sub-notifications of needle sticks injuries among nursing professionals at the Vila Penteado General Hospital. This is an exploratory field research with quantitative approach. It was used a questionnaire containing nine closed questions and two opened related to knowledge data about work related accident notifications and sub-notifications. We could conclude that nursing professionals have no knowledge about the flowchart of the notification of work related accident and, with the implementation of Continued Education Program in the elaboration and clarifications on the importance of the notification of work related accident, will bring beneficial changes to professionals.Descriptors: Accident, Occupational Exposure, Biohazard. Subnotificación de acidentes com perfurocortantes en enfermeríaResumen: El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar los casos de subnotificación de accidentes de perforación de corte entre el personal de enfermería en el Hospital General de Vila Penteado. Se trata de una investigación de campo exploratorio, con abordaje cuantitativo se utilizó el cuestionario contiene 9 preguntas cerradas y 2 abiertas, los datos relacionados con el conocimiento sobre los informes de accidente de trabajo y de información. Se concluye que la ignorancia personal de enfermería presente en el organigrama de la notificación de un accidente de trabajo y con la implementación de programas de educación continua mediante la formación y desarrollo de la idea de la importancia de la comunicación de accidentes en el trabajo traerá cambios beneficiosos para los trabajadores.Descriptores: Accidente de Trabajo, Exposición Ocupacional, Riesgos Biológico.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnold Ikedichi Okpani ◽  
Stephen Barker ◽  
Karen Lockhart ◽  
Jennifer Grant ◽  
Jorge Andrés Delgado-Ron ◽  
...  

ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the contribution of occupational and non-work-related factors to the risk of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Vancouver Coastal Health, British Columbia, Canada. We also aimed to examine how HCWs described their experiences.MethodsWe conducted a matched case-control study using data from online and phone questionnaires with optional open-ended questions completed by HCWs who sought SARS-CoV-2 testing between March 2020 and March 2021. Conditional logistic regression and thematic analysis were utilized.ResultsData from 1340 HCWs were included. Free-text responses were provided by 257 respondents. Adjusting for age, gender, race, occupation, and number of weeks since pandemic was declared, community exposure to a known COVID-19 case (adjusted odds ratio -aOR: 2.45; 95% CI 1.67-3.59), and difficulty accessing personal protective equipment -PPE- (aOR: 1.84; 95% CI 1.07-3.17) were associated with higher infection odds. Care-aides/licensed practical nurses had substantially higher risk (aOR: 2.92; 95% CI 1.49-5.70) than medical staff who had the lowest risk. Direct COVID-19 patient care was not associated with elevated risk. HCWs’ experiences reflected the phase of the pandemic when they were tested. Suboptimal communication, mental stress, and situations perceived as unsafe were common sources of dissatisfaction.ConclusionsCommunity exposures and occupation were important determinants of infection among HCWs in our study. The availability of PPE and clear communication enhanced a sense of safety. Varying levels of risk between occupational groups call for wider targeting of infection prevention measures. Strategies for mitigating community exposure and supporting HCW resilience are required.


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