Evaluation of some physical risk factors in health institutions in terms of occupational health and safety: A case study and research hospital

Hospitals are in the very hazards workplace class and contain serious hazards and risks arising from the working environment. These hazards and risks can be reduced or prevented with occupational health and safety regulations. In order to determine the exposure levels of the physical risk factors arising from the working environments in the hospital, their effects on health and the measures that can be taken, measurements were carried out in Uşak Training and Research Hospital by direct measurement of noise, thermal comfort, lighting and electromagnetic field factors in accordance with the standards. The data obtained were evaluated by considering the studies in the literature, with the values of regulations, standards and recommendations. The highest noise levels were measured in the boiler room, cafeteria and biochemistry laboratory. The lowest ambient temperature values are measured in the patient application and archive department, while the highest value is found in the laundry department. The highest percentage of dissatisfaction with the working environment (PPD) is seen in the laundry, central sterilization and operating room areas. It has been observed that there is insufficient lighting in sections such as operating room, operating room sterile area, internal medicine application, patient admission and central sterilization. The highest magnetic field values in the measurements made in the hospital were reached in ultrasound and centrifuge machines. It has been seen that the health effects of the physical risk factors in the working environment on the employee will lead to possible work accidents and occupational diseases, and suggestions have been made about the precautions that can be taken.