Abstract
Health care workers are exposed to numerous workplace hazards. The implementation of safety measures in high-income countries has largely mitigated these risks. However, in many low- and middle- income countries (LMICs), resources to institute safety measures are lacking, increasing the risk of occupational exposures to these hazards. The aim of this scoping review is to map and synthesize the available research on occupational hazards among health care workers in LMICs, identify research gaps and inform policy. Searches for relevant articles were conducted in five electronic databases using a broad range of search terms. The inclusion criteria were: quantitative observational or experimental studies which examined exposure to one or more occupational hazards among health care workers in a LMCI; and the article was published in English in a peer-reviewed journal. A total of 99 studies met the inclusion criteria, and data were extracted from these studies. Large proportions of health care workers in LMICs were exposed to biological hazards (bloodborne pathogens, tuberculosis), psychosocial hazards (workplace violence, burnout, job dissatisfaction), ergonomic hazards (musculoskeletal complaints), and chemical hazards (exposure to latex and antineoplastic drugs). The implementation of risk reduction strategies was suboptimal. The majority of the literature was on biological hazards (48%), and research on other hazards was limited in comparison. Occupational safety needs to become a priority public health issue to protect health care workers in LMICs. More research is needed to understand the magnitude of the problem in these countries.
Highlights
Health care workers are at potential risk of harm from exposure to numerous hazardous agents encountered in their workplace [1]
Large proportions of health care workers in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) are occupationally exposed to a wide range of hazards
Health care workers need to be protected from occupational hazards because these hazards have the potential to cause diseases and injuries and can adversely impact the retention of health care workers and the quality of care provided
Summary
Health care workers are at potential risk of harm from exposure to numerous hazardous agents encountered in their workplace [1]. The most recent and visible example is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has showcased the vulnerability of health care workers and demonstrated the importance of ensuring their safety [2]. In addition to exposures to emerging diseases, health care workers are routinely exposed to other infectious agents such as tuberculosis, influenza, HIV, and Hepatitis. Health care workers are exposed to various chemical hazards and agents that have been linked to long-term adverse health effects. Chemicals used in health care settings such as ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, and antineoplastic drugs have been linked to cancers and adverse reproductive outcomes [4,5,6]. Musculoskeletal disorders and injuries, and various psychosocial hazards such as workplace
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