Health Care
In 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated over 13 million women were working in health care and social assistance. In the U.S., 91% of the nurses and nursing aides are women.1 Women working in health care may be worried about illnesses and injuries caused by long hours, shift changes, physical tasks, violence, and possible exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous chemicals.
NIOSH publications that relate to women working in health care include:
Hemoglobin adducts and sister chromatid exchanges in hospital workers
exposed to ethylene oxide: effects of glutathione S-transferase T1 and M1
genotype
This study examined the effects of Ethylene oxide (EtO),a cancer-causing agent,
on chromosome (DNA) damage in workers who operate an EtO sterilizer in hospitals.
EtO is commonly used to make other products and for sterilization. The study found
some individuals who have had a gene deleted (GSTT1 gene) may be more susceptible
to DNA damage from EtO.
Prevalence and risk factors for bloodborne exposure and infection in
correctional healthcare workers
NIOSH researchers examined how well the guidance for reducing exposures to
bloodborne pathogens was being followed in correctional healthcare. Room for
improvement was noted in involving front-line workers in evaluating and
selecting safer medical devices and in updating and maintaining required
exposure control plans.
There's no place like home: a qualitative study of the working conditions
of home health care providers
This study described the work experience and hazards of home health care
providers, with a focus on risk factors for bloodborne pathogen exposures.
The study found home health care providers face serious work-related
hazards, including violence in neighborhoods and homes, lack of workstations,
heavy patient lifting, improper disposal of dressings or sharp medical
devices, and high productivity demands.
Work schedule during pregnancy and spontaneous abortion
This study looked at whether work schedule can affect the risk of
miscarriage in U.S. nurses. Researchers found night work and long
work hours may be associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.
For additional information that applies to male and female workers in health care, check out these other NIOSH web pages:
- Antineoplastic Agents
- Bloodborne Infectious Diseases
- Dentistry
- Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Hazardous Drug Exposures in Healthcare
- Healthcare Workers
- Infectious Aerosols
- Latex Allergies
- Tuberculosis
- Work Schedules: Shift Work and Long Work Hours
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Women in the Labor Force: A
Databook. 2007.
http://www.bls.gov/cps/wlf-intro-2007.pdf
Health Care