Assessing personal occupational safety and health training for students at U.S. medical schools

Medical students potentially are exposed to numerous occupational hazards. This study examined the training and preventive measures medical schools use to protect the health and safety of students. In late 1990, questionnaires were mailed to the 126 schools in the United States. One hundred (79%) responded, reporting numerous incidents of illness and injury. Of the 100 schools, 60 agreed with the statement that their students were adequately prepared to work safely; 11 disagreed, and 24 gave neutral responses (five did not respond to the statement). However, 36 indicated that they planned to revise health and safety training. The authors recommend that schools adopt policies, procedures, and a uniform curriculum regarding students' occupational safety and health.