Factors Leading to High Rates of Occupational Hazards Among Health Workers at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital

ABSTRACT Ideally health care workers are supposed to work in a safe environment. However; worldwide, health care workers operate in an environment that is considered to be one of the most hazardous occupational settings, (Adib-Hajbaghery & Lotfi, 2013). The purpose of the study is to asses factors leading to high rates of occupational hazards among health workers at Jinja Regional Referral hospital. The study used a descriptive cross sectional design employing quantitative methods of data collection. The study was selected because it helped the researcher to collect data in the shortest period. Thirty respondents were chosen because it helped the researcher to collect data in minimal time. Health-facility related factors leading to high rates of occupational health hazards, the highest number (83.3%) said they were not provided with protective gears. As regards departments where health workers stand a higher risk of occupational hazards, half of the respondents (50%) said the operating theater. On how respondents rate their working environment, more than a half (53.3%) said fair. Majority of the respondents (70%) had experienced occupational hazards especially needle pricks. According to health worker related factors leading to high rates of occupational hazards, all respondents (100%) agreed that the nature of work predisposes health workers to occupational hazards like conducting deliveries. The highest number (80%) said they had not received training on occupational hazards. Regarding how lack of coordination predisposes health workers to occupational hazards, most of the respondents (53.3%) identified poor infection control procedures. Results on measures to prevent occupational hazards, the over whelming majority (90%) mentioned washing the affected part with running water. On what can be done to overcome occupational hazards, half of the respondents (50%) mentioned provision of protective gears. Recommendations: Training of health workers, protective gears, among others. Conclusion; Lack of protective gears, working department, nature of work of health workers among others predisposed health workers to occupational hazards.