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['Ergonomics', 'Infectious Diseases', 'Personal Protective Equipment', 'Specialized Industries', 'Fire Protection and Prevention', 'Toxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHA', 'Fall Protection', 'Hazardous Materials Safety - OSHA', 'Machine Guarding', 'Bloodborne Pathogens', 'Industrial Hygiene', 'Electrical Safety', 'Workplace Violence', 'Heat and Cold Exposure', 'HAZWOPER', 'Diseases and illnesses', 'Walking Working Surfaces', 'Confined Spaces']
['Personal Protective Equipment', 'Fire Protection and Prevention', 'Hearing Protection', 'Fatigue', 'Air Contaminants', 'Radiation', 'Toxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHA', 'Bloodborne Pathogens', 'Electrical Safety', 'Indoor Air Quality', 'Compressed Gases', 'Active Shooter', 'Oxygen', 'Machine Guarding', 'Respiratory Protection', 'Specialized Industries', 'Fall Protection', 'HAZWOPER Emergency Response', 'Housekeeping', 'COVID-19', 'Formaldehyde', 'Posture and Movement', 'Workplace Violence', 'Healthcare', 'Walking Working Surfaces', 'Confined Spaces', 'Walkway Safety', 'Pandemic Flu', 'Heat and Cold Exposure', 'Infectious Diseases', 'Carpal Tunnel Syndrome', 'Lifting and Back Safety', 'Ergonomics', 'Ethylene Oxide', 'Laboratory Safety', 'Repetitive Motion']
02/12/2026
Copyright 2026 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.
:
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InstituteLaboratory SafetyFormaldehydeDiseases and illnessesFatiguePosture and MovementIndoor Air QualityPandemic FluErgonomicsRepetitive MotionIn Depth (Level 3)HealthcareMachine GuardingSpecialized IndustriesHeat and Cold ExposureHAZWOPER Emergency ResponseInfectious DiseasesSafety & HealthInfectious DiseasesCOVID-19Toxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHAElectrical SafetyLifting and Back SafetyEthylene OxideCarpal Tunnel SyndromeHazardous Materials Safety - OSHARespiratory ProtectionHeat and Cold ExposureFire Protection and PreventionMachine GuardingToxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHAOxygen
Hazards to healthcare workers
['Ergonomics', 'Infectious Diseases', 'Personal Protective Equipment', 'Specialized Industries', 'Fire Protection and Prevention', 'Toxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHA', 'Fall Protection', 'Hazardous Materials Safety - OSHA', 'Machine Guarding', 'Bloodborne Pathogens', 'Industrial Hygiene', 'Electrical Safety', 'Workplace Violence', 'Heat and Cold Exposure', 'HAZWOPER', 'Diseases and illnesses', 'Walking Working Surfaces', 'Confined Spaces']
- Hazard categories for healthcare include biological, chemical, physical, mechanical/bio-mechanical, and psychological.
- The top events or exposures for healthcare workers in recent years were exposure to harmful substances or environments, overexertion/repetitive motion/bodily conditions, and slip/trip/stumble/fall to the same level.
- Federal OSHA explains that healthcare workers face a number of serious safety and health hazards such as ergonomic hazards, chemical hazards, slips/trips/falls, and workplace violence.
When someone pictures a healthcare facility, medical staff come to mind. However, healthcare facilities may employ a variety of trades that have health and safety hazards associated with them. These include, but are not limited to, mechanical maintenance, medical equipment maintenance, housekeeping, food service, building and grounds maintenance, laundry, and administrative staff.
Regardless of the occupation, healthcare workers, at large, face recognized, serious hazards. The table below outlines many of the hazard categories associated with healthcare facilities. It gives you the “big picture.”
| Hazard category | Description | Examples found in the healthcare environment |
| Biological | Infectious/biological agents, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, that may be transmitted by contact with infected patients or contaminated body secretions/fluids | Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VRE), hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, tuberculosis, COVID-19, seasonal/pandemic influenza, indoor air quality |
| Chemical | Various forms of chemicals that are potentially toxic or irritating to the body system, including medications, solutions, and gases | Ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, waste anesthetic gases, hazardous drugs like cytotoxic agents, pentamidine, and ribavirin |
| Physical | Agents within the work environment that can cause tissue trauma | Radiation, lasers, noise, electricity, vibration, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, and workplace violence |
| Mechanical/ Bio-mechanical | Factors encountered in the work environment that cause incidents, injuries, strain, or discomfort | Tripping hazards, unsafe/unguarded equipment, slippery floors, cluttered or obstructed work areas/passageways, forceful exertions, awkward postures, localized contact stresses, repetitive/prolonged motions or activities, and lifting and moving patients |
| Psychological | Factors and situations that create or increase stress, emotional strain, or interpersonal problems | Stress, workplace violence, shiftwork, inadequate staffing, and heavy workload |
Event and exposure data
Another way to look at hazards is to examine the Bureau of Labor Statistics data on “events or exposures.” Event or exposure signifies the manner in which the injury or illness was produced or inflicted. For ambulatory healthcare services, hospitals, and nursing and residential care facilities in private industry, the top five events or exposures that reflect injuries and illnesses with days away from work in 2023 to 2024 were:
- Exposure to harmful substances or environments;
- Overexertion, repetitive motion, and bodily conditions;
- Slip, trip, stumble, or fall on the same level;
- Violent acts; and
- Contact with non-running objects or equipment.
It appears that the COVID-19 pandemic may partly explain the high numbers for “exposures to harmful substances or environments” in 2023 to 2024. Even though the COVID-19 emergency declaration is over, all healthcare facilities run the risk of infection received at or brought to the healthcare facility. For that reason, healthcare workers may be exposed to infectious agents. Protecting healthcare workers is essential to the protection of patients and others from the spread of infection.
Other events or exposures included, but are not limited to:
- Struck by propelled, falling, collapsing, or suspended objects
- Transportation incidents
- Contact with other person or animal, nonviolent or intent unknown
- Slip, trip, or stumble when stepping between levels
- Fall to a lower level
- Struck, caught, or compressed by running powered equipment
- Fires or explosions
Hazards flagged by federal OSHA
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) explains that healthcare workers face a number of serious safety and health hazards. They include:
- Bloodborne pathogens and biological hazards;
- Infectious diseases like tuberculosis, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), seasonal/pandemic influenza, and avian flu;
- Potential chemical hazards;
- Potential hazardous drug exposures;
- Allergic reactions to latex;
- Waste anesthetic gas exposures;
- Laser hazards;
- Radioactive material and x-ray hazards;
- Respiratory hazards;
- Ergonomic hazards from lifting and repetitive tasks;
- Slips, trips, and falls;
- Emergency response hazardous substance and biological agent hazards;
- Noise;
- Compressed gases;
- Electrical hazards;
- Fire hazards;
- Workplace violence;
- Hostile animals;
- Driving hazards; and
- Fatigue.
According to OSHA, some of the potential chemical exposures include formaldehyde, used for preservation of specimens for pathology; ethylene oxide, glutaraldehyde, and peracetic acid used for sterilization; crystalline silica dust generated in dentistry; and numerous other chemicals used in healthcare laboratories. Some chemicals may be reproductive hazards (substances or agents that may affect the reproductive health of women or men or the ability of couples to have healthy children).
Your workers have a right to report hazards to OSHA, and the agency has a process to respond to worker complaints.
:
ergonomics
FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING
InstituteLaboratory SafetyFormaldehydeDiseases and illnessesFatiguePosture and MovementIndoor Air QualityPandemic FluErgonomicsRepetitive MotionIn Depth (Level 3)HealthcareMachine GuardingSpecialized IndustriesHeat and Cold ExposureHAZWOPER Emergency ResponseInfectious DiseasesSafety & HealthInfectious DiseasesCOVID-19Toxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHAElectrical SafetyLifting and Back SafetyEthylene OxideCarpal Tunnel SyndromeHazardous Materials Safety - OSHARespiratory ProtectionHeat and Cold ExposureFire Protection and PreventionMachine GuardingToxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHAOxygen
Hazards to healthcare workers
InstituteAerial LiftsRepetitive MotionErgonomicsDiseases and illnessesPandemic FluSafety and Health Programs and TrainingHazard CommunicationSpecialized IndustriesInfectious DiseasesForklifts and Powered TrucksElectrical Safety Construction StandardsInjury and Illness Recordkeeping FormsInfectious DiseasesEmergency Planning (OSHA)COVID-19First Aid and MedicalExit RoutesEmergency ExitsEthylene OxideRespiratory ProtectionFire ExtinguishersFire Protection and PreventionFirst Aid and MedicalCranes, Lifts, and ScaffoldingSafety and Health Programs and TrainingPersonal Protective EquipmentElectrical SafetyLockout/TagoutFall ProtectionForklifts and Powered TrucksWalking Working Surfaces
OSHA requirements apply to healthcare
InstituteDiseases and illnessesPandemic FluIn Depth (Level 3)USAEnglishHealthcareSpecialized IndustriesEmergency Planning - OSHAInfectious DiseasesSafety & HealthWeather and Natural DisastersInjury and Illness RecordkeepingInfectious DiseasesCOVID-19Exit RoutesEmergency Planning (OSHA)Emergency ExitsInjury and Illness Recordkeeping FormsGeneral Industry SafetyOSHA RecordkeepingSpecialized IndustriesFocus AreaAnalysisEmergency AlarmsInjury and Illness Recordkeeping
OSHA requirements relate to accreditation standards
InstituteSafety and Health Programs and TrainingSafety and Health Programs and TrainingUSASanitationEnglishHealthcareEmergency Planning - OSHASpecialized IndustriesSafety & HealthEmergency Planning (OSHA)General Industry SafetySanitationSpecialized IndustriesAnalysisFocus AreaIn Depth (Level 3)
OSHA safety and health program recommendations
InstituteFormaldehydeDiseases and illnessesErgonomicsPandemic FluIn Depth (Level 3)HealthcareSpecialized IndustriesHAZWOPER Emergency ResponseInfectious DiseasesSafety & HealthInfectious DiseasesToxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHALifting and Back SafetyMedical WasteEthylene OxideHazardous Materials Safety - OSHARespiratory ProtectionToxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHAPersonal Protective EquipmentBloodborne Pathogens Prevention and ControlBloodborne PathogensCompressed GasesHAZWOPERRadiationEnglishErgonomicsWorkplace ViolenceWorkplace ViolenceGeneral Industry SafetyWasteHand Protection
OSHA guidance for healthcare
InstituteDiseases and illnessesIndoor Air QualityIndustrial HygieneIn Depth (Level 3)Fire Protection and PreventionHazmatRadiationEnglishHealthcareAir ContaminantsSpecialized IndustriesInfectious DiseasesSafety & HealthVentilationInfectious DiseasesGeneral Industry SafetyFood SafetySpecialized IndustriesHazmat License/Permit/RegistrationFire Protection and PreventionAnalysisFocus AreaToxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHAUSA
Other requirements for healthcare
Hazards to healthcare workers
InstituteLaboratory SafetyFormaldehydeDiseases and illnessesFatiguePosture and MovementIndoor Air QualityPandemic FluErgonomicsRepetitive MotionIn Depth (Level 3)HealthcareMachine GuardingSpecialized IndustriesHeat and Cold ExposureHAZWOPER Emergency ResponseInfectious DiseasesSafety & HealthInfectious DiseasesCOVID-19Toxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHAElectrical SafetyLifting and Back SafetyEthylene OxideCarpal Tunnel SyndromeHazardous Materials Safety - OSHARespiratory ProtectionHeat and Cold ExposureFire Protection and PreventionMachine GuardingToxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHAOxygen
['Ergonomics', 'Infectious Diseases', 'Personal Protective Equipment', 'Specialized Industries', 'Fire Protection and Prevention', 'Toxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHA', 'Fall Protection', 'Hazardous Materials Safety - OSHA', 'Machine Guarding', 'Bloodborne Pathogens', 'Industrial Hygiene', 'Electrical Safety', 'Workplace Violence', 'Heat and Cold Exposure', 'HAZWOPER', 'Diseases and illnesses', 'Walking Working Surfaces', 'Confined Spaces']
- Hazard categories for healthcare include biological, chemical, physical, mechanical/bio-mechanical, and psychological.
- The top events or exposures for healthcare workers in recent years were exposure to harmful substances or environments, overexertion/repetitive motion/bodily conditions, and slip/trip/stumble/fall to the same level.
- Federal OSHA explains that healthcare workers face a number of serious safety and health hazards such as ergonomic hazards, chemical hazards, slips/trips/falls, and workplace violence.
When someone pictures a healthcare facility, medical staff come to mind. However, healthcare facilities may employ a variety of trades that have health and safety hazards associated with them. These include, but are not limited to, mechanical maintenance, medical equipment maintenance, housekeeping, food service, building and grounds maintenance, laundry, and administrative staff.
Regardless of the occupation, healthcare workers, at large, face recognized, serious hazards. The table below outlines many of the hazard categories associated with healthcare facilities. It gives you the “big picture.”
| Hazard category | Description | Examples found in the healthcare environment |
| Biological | Infectious/biological agents, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, that may be transmitted by contact with infected patients or contaminated body secretions/fluids | Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VRE), hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, tuberculosis, COVID-19, seasonal/pandemic influenza, indoor air quality |
| Chemical | Various forms of chemicals that are potentially toxic or irritating to the body system, including medications, solutions, and gases | Ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, waste anesthetic gases, hazardous drugs like cytotoxic agents, pentamidine, and ribavirin |
| Physical | Agents within the work environment that can cause tissue trauma | Radiation, lasers, noise, electricity, vibration, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, and workplace violence |
| Mechanical/ Bio-mechanical | Factors encountered in the work environment that cause incidents, injuries, strain, or discomfort | Tripping hazards, unsafe/unguarded equipment, slippery floors, cluttered or obstructed work areas/passageways, forceful exertions, awkward postures, localized contact stresses, repetitive/prolonged motions or activities, and lifting and moving patients |
| Psychological | Factors and situations that create or increase stress, emotional strain, or interpersonal problems | Stress, workplace violence, shiftwork, inadequate staffing, and heavy workload |
Event and exposure data
Another way to look at hazards is to examine the Bureau of Labor Statistics data on “events or exposures.” Event or exposure signifies the manner in which the injury or illness was produced or inflicted. For ambulatory healthcare services, hospitals, and nursing and residential care facilities in private industry, the top five events or exposures that reflect injuries and illnesses with days away from work in 2023 to 2024 were:
- Exposure to harmful substances or environments;
- Overexertion, repetitive motion, and bodily conditions;
- Slip, trip, stumble, or fall on the same level;
- Violent acts; and
- Contact with non-running objects or equipment.
It appears that the COVID-19 pandemic may partly explain the high numbers for “exposures to harmful substances or environments” in 2023 to 2024. Even though the COVID-19 emergency declaration is over, all healthcare facilities run the risk of infection received at or brought to the healthcare facility. For that reason, healthcare workers may be exposed to infectious agents. Protecting healthcare workers is essential to the protection of patients and others from the spread of infection.
Other events or exposures included, but are not limited to:
- Struck by propelled, falling, collapsing, or suspended objects
- Transportation incidents
- Contact with other person or animal, nonviolent or intent unknown
- Slip, trip, or stumble when stepping between levels
- Fall to a lower level
- Struck, caught, or compressed by running powered equipment
- Fires or explosions
Hazards flagged by federal OSHA
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) explains that healthcare workers face a number of serious safety and health hazards. They include:
- Bloodborne pathogens and biological hazards;
- Infectious diseases like tuberculosis, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), seasonal/pandemic influenza, and avian flu;
- Potential chemical hazards;
- Potential hazardous drug exposures;
- Allergic reactions to latex;
- Waste anesthetic gas exposures;
- Laser hazards;
- Radioactive material and x-ray hazards;
- Respiratory hazards;
- Ergonomic hazards from lifting and repetitive tasks;
- Slips, trips, and falls;
- Emergency response hazardous substance and biological agent hazards;
- Noise;
- Compressed gases;
- Electrical hazards;
- Fire hazards;
- Workplace violence;
- Hostile animals;
- Driving hazards; and
- Fatigue.
According to OSHA, some of the potential chemical exposures include formaldehyde, used for preservation of specimens for pathology; ethylene oxide, glutaraldehyde, and peracetic acid used for sterilization; crystalline silica dust generated in dentistry; and numerous other chemicals used in healthcare laboratories. Some chemicals may be reproductive hazards (substances or agents that may affect the reproductive health of women or men or the ability of couples to have healthy children).
Your workers have a right to report hazards to OSHA, and the agency has a process to respond to worker complaints.
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Copyright 2026 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.