Exploring respiratory protection practices for prominent hazards in healthcare settings

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
Kerri WiznerJames M Boiano

Abstract

The use of respiratory protection, an important component of personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare, is dependent on the hazard and environmental conditions in the workplace. This requires the employer and healthcare worker (HCW) to be knowledgeable about potential exposures and their respective protective measures. However, the use of respirators is inconsistent in healthcare settings, potentially putting HCWs at risk for illness or injury. To better understand respirator use, barriers, and influences, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Health and Safety Practices Survey of Healthcare Workers provided an opportunity to examine self-reported use of respirators and surgical masks for targeted hazards. The hazards of interest included aerosolized medications, antineoplastic drugs, chemical sterilants, high-level disinfectants, influenza-like illness (ILI), and surgical smoke. Of the 10,383 HCWs who reported respiratory protection behaviors, 1,904 (18%) reported wearing a respirator for at least one hazard. Hazard type, job duties, site characteristics, and organizational factors played a greater role in the likelihood of respirator use than individual factors. The proportion of respirator...Continue Reading

References

Mar 12, 2005·American Journal of Infection Control·David MooreUNKNOWN BC Interdisciplinary Respiratory Protection Study Group
Apr 9, 2005·Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·Brent C DoneyKi Moon Bang
Apr 6, 2012·American Journal of Infection Control·Kathryn NicholD Linn Holness
May 29, 2012·American Journal of Infection Control·Jan GraltonMary-Louise McLaws
Dec 25, 2012·American Journal of Disaster Medicine·Keith A CandiottiDavid J Birnbach
Jun 4, 2013·American Journal of Infection Control·Megan E GoschLewis J Radonovich
Feb 20, 2014·American Journal of Industrial Medicine·Andrea L SteegeMarie H Sweeney
Apr 29, 2014·Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·James M BoianoMarie H Sweeney
Jan 8, 2015·American Journal of Infection Control·Kristina PetersonLance Couzens
Nov 12, 2015·Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·Sharon R SilverJames M Boiano
Oct 19, 2016·American Journal of Industrial Medicine·Andrea L SteegeMarie H Sweeney

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