Occupational hazards to health care workers: Diverse, ill-defined, and not fully appreciated

Journal Article · Mon Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · American Journal of Infection Control; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0196-6553(90)90231-G· OSTI ID:6270832

Moore, Jr, R M; Kaczmarek, R G ^[1]

---

1. Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD (USA)

Health care workers are challenged by an imposing group of occupational hazards. These hazards include exposure to ionizing radiation, stress, injury, infectious agents, and chemicals. The magnitude and diversity of these hazards are not fully appreciated. The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic has created additional occupational hazards and has focused attention on the problem of occupational hazards to health care workers. Concern over the nosocomial transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus has contributed to efforts to implement universal infection control precautions and to decrease needlestick injuries. Health care organizations and providers, who have prompted health and safety campaigns for the general public, should not overlook the dangers associated with the health care setting.

• OSTI ID: 6270832
• Journal Information: American Journal of Infection Control; (USA), Journal Name: American Journal of Infection Control; (USA) Vol. 18:5; ISSN 0196-6553; ISSN AJICD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
560300 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIDS VIRUS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MEDICAL PERSONNEL
MICROORGANISMS
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PARASITES
PERSONNEL
RADIATION HAZARDS
RADIATIONS
RISK ASSESSMENT
VIRUSES
XENOBIOTICS