Occupational Hazards and Safety Measures Among Medical Laboratories Staff in Eastern Province- KSA

Background: With the increase in interest and awareness about occupational health and safety. However, in Saudi Arabia, few studies have been conducted about the condition of workers in medical laboratories. Objectives: This study attempted to determine the main occupational hazards among medical laboratory staff in Eastern Province- KSA. To assess and evaluate the safety measures undertaken by the medical laboratory staff in Eastern Province- KSA, as well as to identify the factors which hinder the implementation of good occupational safety and health (OSH) practice among medical laboratory staff in Eastern Province- KSA. Method: This was a cross-sectional study research design that entailed the use of a modified structured questionnaire. The study was conducted in 10 medical laboratories out of 105 samples from the respondents. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28, basic descriptive statistical analysis used to perform the following: frequency account, and count percentages. Bar charts and pie charts were used for the presentation of descriptive statistics. Result: The most common types of occupational hazards in medical laboratories are biological hazards are bacteria (39.45%). Meanwhile, the most common chemical hazards include flammable liquids and solids (33%). Whereas, the most common physical hazards the most common were related to electricity (26.32 %). The most contributive control measure to mitigate occupational hazards is providing PPE (94.3%). The most common factors that stymie good practice in medical laboratories included poor laboratory design (61% and lack of awareness about laboratory safety procedures (58.1%). Conclusion: Increasing awareness about safety procedures within medical laboratories and improving the infrastructure and design of laboratories will greatly contribute to the prevention of risks to which medical laboratory staff is exposed.