Occupational Health Hazards Faced By Both The Clinical And Non- Clinical Staff At The Bibiani Municipal Hospital

ABSTRACT

A cross sectional survey was used to collect research information from seventy (70) respondents about exposure to occupational hazards using a a questionnaire. The results of the study revealed that infectious fluids (97.2%), infected air-borne virus (91.4%), Ergonomic exposures (90.0%) exposure to infectious diseases and exposure to blood and body fluids (88.6%), infectious droplets aerosols (96.8%), infectious skin contact (84.3%) and exposure to viruses (78.6%) were type of occupational health hazard faced by both clinical and non-clinical staff. The effects of health hazards were severe injuries (98.6%), occupational stress and allergies (97.1%), virus infection (94.3%), work generated illness (77.1%) and death (75.7%).The incorporation of safety training program during orientation of new employees (80.1%), properly disposing off waste (81.4%), proper placement of medical equipment (94.3%), regular monitoring on safety and health standards in the hospital (94.3%), wearing protective clothing (92.8%), prompt reporting of injuries (95.7%) and re-training of all workers in the hospital on safety and health practices (81.5%) were procedures in which health hazards can be reduced. The study recommends that management of the hospital should provide protective and safety kits like gloves and nose mask for clinical and non-clinical staff. Staff should report health hazards immediately to management. Equipment to perform tasks such as lifting, pushing and pulling should  be provided to help in carrying patients and heavy objects at the hospital.