Comprehensive Occupational Hazard Identification and Risk Control in Hospital Inpatient Units: A HIRACS Perspective
Article Sidebar
Abstract Views: 15
PDF Downloads: 8
Main Article Content
Abstract
Introduction: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in hospital inpatient units is a critical concern due to the high exposure of healthcare workers to various hazards, including biological, chemical, physical, and ergonomic risks. The dynamic nature of inpatient care activities increases the likelihood of occupational incidents, which may affect both worker safety and patient outcomes. Therefore, a systematic risk assessment approach is required to identify and control potential hazards effectively.
Objectives: This study aims to provide information for targeted control measures to improve worker safety in hospital inpatient settings.
Methods: This study employed a descriptive observational design using the Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Control (HIRACS) method. Data were collected through direct observation, interviews, and documentation review in the inpatient unit of a hospital. The risk assessment process involved identifying work activities, classifying hazards, determining likelihood (L) and severity (S), and calculating risk levels (R = L × S). Informants included key healthcare personnel responsible for inpatient services.
Results: The findings identified multiple occupational hazards across inpatient activities, including medication errors (R=12), needle stick injuries (R=12), exposure to disinfectants (R=9), ergonomic risks from patient handling (R=9), and electrical hazards (R=8). Biological hazards were the most dominant, particularly related to exposure to infectious materials and sharp objects. Several risks were categorized as moderate to high, requiring immediate control measures. Existing controls included the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), standard operating procedures, and equipment maintenance. However, gaps were still identified, such as inconsistent PPE compliance, inadequate training, and limited hazard communication.
Conclusion: The application of the HIRACS method proved effective in systematically identifying and evaluating occupational risks in inpatient units. Strengthening control measures, including staff training, strict adherence to safety protocols, and improved hazard communication, is essential to minimize workplace risks. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are recommended to enhance OHS performance and ensure a safer healthcare environment.
Article Details
References
Alghamdi, M. G. (2023). Medication Errors in Hospital Settings: Causes and Prevention Strategies. Journal of Patient Safety, 19(2):e120.
Alqurashi, R. M., A. Farid, M. A. Alghamdi, and H. B. A. (2025). Assessment of Food Safety and Practices in Nutrition Services Employees in Hospitals: Evidence from Saudi Arabia. Healthcare, 13(14):172(13(14):1723), 13(14):1723.
Davis, J., and J. S. (2023). Quantitative Approaches in Occupational Risk Management: Evaluating HIRARC Implementation Across Industries. Journal of Safety Research, 56(3):211–, 56(3):211–224.
Fais, M., I. Deviyanti, and W. P. (2024). Occupational Health and Safety Risk Assessment Using HIRARC Method in Hospital Food Service Environments. Journal of Industrial and Systems Optimization, 7(2):16–22(7(2):16–22), 7(2):16–22.
ILO. (2023a). Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems: A Practical Guide. Geneva: ILO Publications.
ILO. (2023b). Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems: Guidelines for Implementation (Geneva: ILO. (ed.); Geneva: IL). Geneva: ILO.
Leong, K. B. R., Q. X. Ng, W. H. Gan, and W. T. L. (2024). Epidemiology of Workplace Injuries Among Hospital Food Service Workers in a Tertiary Hospital in Asia. Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, 19(1):8.(19(1):8.), 19(1):8.
Lestari, H., and L. N. (2024). Assessment of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems in General Hospitals: A Mixed-Methods Study. Safety and Health for Medical Workers, 1(2):65–77(1(2):65–77.), 1(2):65–77.
Mersal, F. A. (2025). Occupational Health Hazards and Control Measures among Healthcare Workers. Journal of Nursing Management.
NIOSH. (2023). Guidelines for Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (A. U. S. D. of H. and H. Services (ed.); Atlanta: U). Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Pramusiwi, Widi Mahasih, W. H. (2024). Analysis of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Risks in Hospitals: Literature Review. Media Publikasi Promosi Kesehatan Indonesia, 7(8):2051–.
Putri, Andini R., and S. H. (2023). Analysis of Occupational Health Risks among Healthcare Workers in Hospital Settings. Journal of Public Health Research, 12(2):145–.
Putri, A. R. (2023). Analysis of Occupational Health Risks among Healthcare Workers in Hospital Settings. Journal of Public Health Research, 12(2):145–(12(2):145–152).
Rahman, S., and M. A. (2024). Effectiveness of HIRARC in Reducing Occupational Incidents in Manufacturing and Healthcare Support Services. Risk Analysis Journal, 44(5):360–(44(5):360–378.), 44(5):360–378.
Ramli, S. (2020). Sistem Manajemen Keselamatan dan Kesehatan Kerja OHSAS 18001 (D. Rakyat (ed.)). Dian Rakyat.
Sari, D. K. (2023). Application of Risk Assessment Methods in Occupational Health and Safety: A Case Study in Healthcare Sector. Journal of Safety Research, 85:210–218(85:210–218), 85:210–218.
Setiawan, B. (2022). Descriptive Study of Occupational Hazards in Healthcare Facilities. Indonesian Journal of Health Administration, 10(1):55–6.
Situmorang, N. A. (2024). Systematic Review of Occupational Safety and Health among Medical Personnel. Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Studies.
Smith, T., and A. O. (2023). Ergonomic Risks in Food Service Kitchens: A Comparative Study Between Commercial and Healthcare Settings. International Journal of Occupational Safety, 12(4):242–(12(4):242–258), 12(4):242–258.
WHO. (2022). Guidelines on Core Components of Infection Prevention and Control Programmes. Geneva: WHO.
Wright, J., and M. T. N. (2024). Occupational Exposure and Safety Practices in Food Services: A Systematic Review. Journal of Workplace Safety and Health, 10(1):55–7, 10(1):55–74.
Wulandari, F. (2021). Data Collection Techniques in Occupational Health Research: Observation, Interview, and Documentation. Journal of Health Science, 9(2):88–95.
Yusmaini, Y., E. P. R. (2024). Risk Analysis Using HIRARC Method in Hospital Inpatient Unit. Journal of Community Health, 10(1):77–8.
Zahra, Auliya, N. F. H. (2024). Implementation of HIRADC in Occupational Safety Improvement. Journal Occupational Health Hygiene and Safety.