Authors

Camlus Otieno

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

9-16-2007

Abstract

Context: Occupational Health and Safety legislation usually demands that a risk assessment be done prior to making an intervention. This assessment should: identify the risk, identify all affected by the hazard and how,identify and prioritize the required actions in response to the risk. This study was conducted in the context of Community Based Education & Service programme. It brought about a proper understanding of the nature and cause of Occupational health injuries amongst our healthcare workers. Setting & Objectives: The Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital is situated in Eldoret municipality of Uasin Gishu district in Rift Valley province. It serves western Kenya.Established in 1917 as a district hospital, it boasts of having diverse cadres of health professionals. The Hospital's mission is to provide affordable and quality healthcare.This study intended to decipher whether this quality service is at the expense of injury to the workers. Injuries, especially arising from sharps; are common, underreported and often preventable. The study quantified the magnitude of the occupational injuries occuring in the hospital, providing a basis for further intervention. Design: Cross-sectional survey where both qualitative and quantitative data was gathered using open-ended questions. Specific key informants were selected and interviewed. Subjects: Doctors, Nurses and Laboratory staff. Results: 64% of workers obtained injuries; 46% of them once and 54% of them several times. Needlesticks were the most occurring injury type at 66% while 90% of the professionals were applying various protective measures. Conclusions: Preventive measures in place are not strictly adhered to and they are also inadequate.

Sponsorship

Partially funded by GHETS (Global Health through Education, Training and Service)

Comments

Poster presented at Mayanja Hall (Hotel Africana) at the Network: Toward Unity for Health Conference in Kampala, Uganda, September 16, 2007

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