Health care worker safety in surgery

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Occupational Health
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Nursing is a high-risk occupation for workplace injuries and illnesses.
• The perioperative environment presents unique hazards: biological, ergonomic, chemical, physical, psychosocial, and cultural.
• Registered nurses (RNs) in perioperative settings are particularly vulnerable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the specific injury risks in the perioperative nursing environment.
• To outline strategies for improving safety and reducing workplace-related injuries for perioperative RNs.

Main Methods:

• Review of injury risks specific to the perioperative environment.
• Identification of safety improvement strategies including engineering, administrative, and behavioral controls.
• Emphasis on the RN's role in hazard identification and reporting.

Main Results:

• Six categories of injury risks are identified: biological, ergonomic, chemical, physical, psychosocial, and cultural.
• A multi-faceted approach to safety is recommended, incorporating environmental, procedural, and individual behavioral changes.
• Individual RNs are empowered and responsible for proactive safety engagement.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive safety strategies are essential to mitigate the high incidence of injury and illness in nursing, particularly in perioperative settings.
• A culture of safety relies on robust controls and active participation from every perioperative RN.
• Proactive hazard identification and reporting by RNs are critical for a safer work environment.