Exploring The Neglected And Hidden Dimensions Of On-The-Job Occupational Health Hazards Among Hospital Janitors and custodians

Abstract

Background: Hospital janitors and custodians are low-status workers exposed to various hazards. They have an incidence rate of nonfatal occupational injuries of 107.5 per 10,000 full-time workers. Objective: To investigate work-related health hazards among hospital janitors and custodians. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 570 hospital janitors and custodians using an interview questionnaire that consisted of socio-demographic and occupational history, safety practices and self-reported health hazards. Physical examination and investigations were also conducted. Results: the majority of participants) 79.6%) had knowledge about occupational hazards at work. The highest median risk analysis score was among the ergonomic risk (high risk), and the least were accident and physical risks (low risk). The nervous system manifestations were the most prevalent self-reported health hazard of 43.9%, and the least one is hepatitis C infection by percentage of 9.5%. Statistically significant negative correlations were found between different risk analysis scores and personal protective clothing use and safe work practices (P < .05). Statistically significant correlations were found between diurnal variations in Peak Expiratory Flow Rate with workplace safety behavior score, use of BMI, age duration of work (P < .05). Conclusions: The most self-reported health problem was nervous system manifestation while HCV was the least reported one. PEFR diurnal variation was mostly influenced by smoking and least affected by the duration of work.