Assessment of Hospital Cleaning Workers on Health Risks: A Case Study of Community Hospitals, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to investigate health hazards, possible health risks associated with
working procedures among cleaning workers of seven community hospitals in Khon Kaen Province. The
studied hospitals were purposively selected, and 50 cleaning workers were interviewed using structured
questionnaire and risk assessment checklist. The study was conducted during November 2008 to March
2009.
The results showed that all of cleaning workers were exposed to toxic chemical solutions or
substances during their working periods while 76% of them were trained on good practice in cleaning
chemical uses. Most of them 98% used personal protective equipments (PPE) during working periods.
There were occupational health and safety measures established in all studied hospital and 98% of
cleaning workers have been practiced following those measures, however there were minor accidents
occurring among workers during their working periods. The risk assessment of toxic chemical health-related
problems among cleaning workers illustrated that they exposed to a high risk and much frequency
occurrence. Therefore, risk management must be put in place to prevent toxic chemical-related incidences.
On the other hand, the risk assessment of physical injury from both job-base and working environment
showed low risk and less possibility of occurrence and hence it presented an acceptable risk that requires
to monitor properly.
In conclusion, the guideline on risk management of toxic chemical health-related problems for
hospital cleaning workers should be controlled by a supervisor with corrected working procedures, good
practices in PPE use, and training on chemical handling, storage and emergency response procedures.