| Hazard Category |
Definition |
Examples found in the hospital 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), methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus,
tuberculosis |
| 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 such as cytotoxic agents, pentamidine ribavirin |
| Psychological |
Factors and situations encountered or associated with one's job or work
environment that create or potentiate stress, emotional strain, an/or other interpersonal problems |
Stress, workplace violence, shiftwork, inadequate staffing, heavy
workload, increased patient acuity |
| Physical |
Agents within the work environment that can cause tissue trauma |
Radiation, lasers, noise, electricity, extreme temperatures,
workplace violence |
| Environmental, Mechanical/Biomechanical |
Factors encountered in the work environment that cause or
potentiate accidents, injuries, strain, or discomfort |
Tripping hazards, unsafe/unguarded equipment, air quality, slippery floors,
confined spaces, cluttered or obstructed work areas/passageways, forceful exertions, awkward postures,
localized contact stresses, vibration, temperature extremes, repetitive/prolonged motions or activities,
lifting and moving patients |
|
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