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Risk Assessment of Physical Health Hazards in Al-Azhar University Hospital in New Damietta, Egypt

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Last updated: 24 Dec 2024

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Abstract

Introduction: Personnel working in hospitals are exposed to many occupational hazards that may threaten their health and safety. Physical hazards that are encountered in hospital working environment include temperature, illumination, noise, electrical injuries, and radiation. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to identify physical health hazards in all departments of Al-Azhar University Hospital in new Damietta,to measure risk level of these hazards, and to recognize safety measures in these departments. Study Site: The study was conducted in Al-Azhar University Hospital in Damietta Governorate. Study Subjects: All personnel (328) working in the hospital were recruited. Study Methods: Interview forms; a workplace inspection checklist, assess physical health hazards in the hospital and a modified checklist (workplace safety and health risk management, assess leadership commitment towards workplace safety and health). Risk assessment matrix was used to describe the risk level. Also, environmental measurements of noise, temperature, relative humidity, and lighting were taken in all departments including auxiliary service offices. Results: Majority of the staffs reported stairways were free of obstacles, emergency lighting worked properly, and temperature was suitable. Minority of the staffs reported stairways were slippery, they were informed on hazards of noise and non-ionizing radiation, and they were given radiation safety training. Measurements of physical agents revealed noise levels were above standard of the WHO in all wards and above slandered of OSHA as in laundry, kitchen, etc. Range of noise level was from 58 dB in renal dialysis unit to 88 dB in kitchen. Lighting level was from 290 to 1150 Lux, temperature level was from 25 to 31°C, relative humidity level was from 45 to 59%, and heat index was low in all departments except kitchen and boiler room, it was moderate. Risk level of electrical and fire hazards was medium 22 (B), while other hazards were of low risk level; 01, 11, and 12 (A). Leadership commitment towards safety and health in the hospital was only 14.3%. Recommendations: Workplace environment should be monitored and evaluated. Environmental and behavioral interventions are indicated for all personnel to prevent undue exposures. Noise monitoring and noise engineering and administrative control should be established. Increase leadership commitment towards workplace safety and health. Training programs on health and safety issues should be conducted to all healthcare workers. Lastly, further studies in different hospitals in Egypt are needed to investigate this health problem.  

DOI

10.12816/0001665

Keywords

occupational physical hazards, Damietta

Authors

First Name

Alaa

Last Name

Abdel-Wahed

MiddleName

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Affiliation

Indusrial Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University

Email

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City

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Orcid

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First Name

Raed Mohammed

Last Name

Alazab

MiddleName

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Affiliation

Indusrial Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University

Email

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City

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Orcid

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First Name

Waheed Hussien

Last Name

Elsaidy

MiddleName

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Affiliation

Indusrial Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University

Email

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City

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Orcid

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First Name

Mohammed El-Hady

Last Name

Imam

MiddleName

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Affiliation

Departments of Community ,Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University

Email

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City

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Orcid

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First Name

Ahmed Ali

Last Name

Ghandour

MiddleName

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Affiliation

Departments of Community ,Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University

Email

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City

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Orcid

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Volume

53

Article Issue

1

Related Issue

3415

Issue Date

2013-10-01

Receive Date

2018-10-04

Publish Date

2013-10-01

Page Start

1,019

Page End

1,035

Print ISSN

1687-2002

Online ISSN

2090-7125

Link

https://ejhm.journals.ekb.eg/article_15858.html

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https://ejhm.journals.ekb.eg/service?article_code=15858

Order

30

Type

Original Article

Type Code

606

Publication Type

Journal

Publication Title

The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine

Publication Link

https://ejhm.journals.ekb.eg/

MainTitle

Risk Assessment of Physical Health Hazards in Al-Azhar University Hospital in New Damietta, Egypt

Details

Type

Article

Created At

22 Jan 2023