Assessing the Risk of Occupational Hazard Using the FMEA Tool Among Hospital Staff at Multispecialty Hospital

Abstract

Considering the importance of occupational hazard assessment, this study has been performed to identify the risks for employees who especially undergo a major occupational hazard that affects their efficiency and productivity. The study aimed to assess the risk of occupational hazard using Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) and strategy to modify the healthcare packages provided by the hospital to the staff. A survey and personal interviews were done at a private multispecialty hospital in Chennai using a descriptive study methodology. The survey included 150 hospital employees from four departments: CSSD (6 participants, covering all available samples), Maintenance (41 participants, chosen at random), Nursing (60 participants, chosen at random), and Housekeeping (43 participants, chosen at random). To collect data, a standardized questionnaire aligned with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was used (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1987-08-06). In addition, unstructured personal interviews with key workers were undertaken. The data revealed that CSSD workers encountered most of the stated dangers, with 100% admitting to workplace risks such as needle sticks, chemical allergies, the risk of burns, and awkward ergonomic postures. Maintenance workers reported a 54% risk of pain and discomfort, 32% of sleep loss following night shifts, and 37% of chemical risks. Nursing personnel cited poor ergonomic posture (68%) as a key concern, followed by sleep loss (62%), and the risk of cuts (52%). Housekeeping personnel cited hazards of falls (69%), poor ergonomic postures (40%), and infectious disease exposure (31%). The study emphasizes the need to address occupational health risks in healthcare settings by thoroughly reviewing the many occupational health hazards that impact healthcare professionals. However, it is important to remember that the study relied on data from the previous six months, potentially leaving out undetected risks. Furthermore, the study emphasized the impact of these dangers on healthcare personnel, emphasizing the problem of events being underreported inside the institution. Notably, the study emphasized the importance of paying close attention to occupational dangers such as needle sticks, chemical exposure, burns and ergonomic concerns in healthcare professionals' daily health management.