[A job-exposure matrix for healthcare centers, a pilot study in the Hospital del Mar (Barcelona)]

To develop a job-exposure matrix specific to healthcare workers, based on a pilot study conducted at Hospital del Mar (Barcelona).

Experienced occupational risk prevention technicians assessed 27 ergonomic and hygiene-related occupational risk factors in 50 homogeneous exposure groups, comprising 5537 workers across six occupational categories (1122 physicians, 1574 nurses, 1186 nursing assistants, 361 residents, 496 technicians, and 798 administrative staff) from five centres within Hospital del Mar in 2023. Exposure intensity levels (1=low, 2=medium, 3=high) were assigned based on specific evaluation methodologies for each risk. Using this data, exposure prevalence was estimated by center and occupational category, based on the proportion of exposed workers.

Regarding ergonomic risks by centre, there was a high prevalence of level 3 exposure to patient handling in almost all centres, ranging from Forum (52%) to Mar (19.7%). Similarly, the occupational category of technicians had the highest prevalence of level 3 exposure to patient handling: 42.3%. No level 3 prevalence of physical, chemical and biological risks have been found in any professional category.

The job-exposure matrix of Hospital del Mar enables the identification of occupational exposure levels, facilitating the management of occupational risks for hospital workers. It is necessary to include safety and psychosocial work-related risks factors.