To learn more about workplace injuries and illnesses in hospitals, see the helpful resources and tools on OSHA's Understanding the Problem page. Musculoskeletal disorders made up 52% of all days away from work cases for nursing assistants. Nursing assistants were amongst the occupations with the highest rates of musculoskeletal disorders of all occupations in 2020, with 15,360 cases. The total incidence rate for this sector was 5.5 cases per 100 FTE workers in 2020, compared to 3.8 per 100 FTE workers in 2019. Over half of these cases (447,890) resulted in at least one day away from work. In 2020, the healthcare and social assistance industry reported a 40% increase in injury and illness cases which continues to be higher than any other private industry sector – 806,200 cases ( 2020 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, BLS). This industry has one of the highest rates of work related injuries and illnesses and it continues to rise. More workers are injured in the healthcare and social assistance industry sector than any other. Some of the potential chemical exposures include formaldehyde, used for preservation of specimens for pathology ethylene oxide, glutaraldehyde, and paracetic acid used for sterilization and numerous other chemicals used in healthcare laboratories. They include bloodborne pathogens and biological hazards, potential chemical and drug exposures, waste anesthetic gas exposures, respiratory hazards, ergonomic hazards from lifting and repetitive tasks, laser hazards, workplace violence, hazards associated with laboratories, and radioactive material and x-ray hazards. Healthcare workers face a number of serious safety and health hazards. These services can occur in a variety of work settings, including hospitals, clinics, dental offices, out-patient surgery centers, birthing centers, emergency medical care, home healthcare, and nursing homes. Healthcare is involved, directly or indirectly, with the provision of health services to individuals. Assists trainers in meeting the health and safety training needs for homecare workers and to enhance communication between homecare workers and their clients. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication Number 2015-102, (November 2014). Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others.

Improving Patient and Worker Safety: Opportunities for Synergy, Collaboration and Innovation.FDA, NIOSH and OSHA Joint Safety Communication on Blunt-Tip Surgical Suture Needles.Worker Safety in Hospitals: Caring for Our Caregivers.Safe Patient Handling - Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders in Nursing Homes.OSHA Fact Sheet (Publication 3707), (March 2014). Isocyanates: Do You Have Work-Related Asthma? A Guide for You and Your Doctor.Appendix D is a template that can be used to customize your facilities program. Assists hospitals in developing and implementing effective respiratory protection programs, with an emphasis on preventing the transmission of aerosol transmissible diseases (e.g., influenza, TB, SARS, MERS) to healthcare personnel. Hospital Respiratory Protection Program Toolkit: Resources for Respirator Program Administrators ( EPUB | MOBI). Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication Number 2015-115, (October 2021).

NIOSH Training for Nurses on Shift Work and Long Work Hours.

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