Allergy and irritation incidents among healthcare workers: Findings from British Columbia, Canada (437)
Hasanat Alamgir, Statistics and Evaluation, OHSAH, Vancouver, Canada
hasanat@ohsah.bc.ca
Abstract:
Objective:
This study describes the types, causes, and outcomes of irritation and allergy incidents among health care workers in British Columbia (BC), Canada.
Methods:
Data from incidents reported over a one year period from three BC health regions of occupation-induced allergy and irritation incidents (including those induced by chemicals) were extracted from a standardized operational database. Using the number of productive hours obtained from payroll data as a denominator, detailed analyses were conducted using Poisson regression modeling.
Results:
A total of 45,733 employees working 23,970 person-years (one p-y equals 1879.2 productive hours), reported 707 allergy and irritation incidents, 272 of which were chemically induced. The respective rates were 2.95 and 1.13 per 100 p-y for all chemically induced events. In multivariate models, it was found that compared to registered nurses, facility support service workers [adjusted RRs and 95% CIs 1.94; 1.31, 2.88], lab assistants/techs [2.54; 1.60, 4.04], and maintenance workers [2.25; 1.09, 4.65] had significantly higher risk of allergy and irritation incidents. Compared to community care and long-term care, acute care workers had a higher risk of such incidents. Older workers (40 and above) had significantly lower reports (p<0.0001 for trend). Female workers were also more likely to report such incidents (1.71; 1.27-2.31). For chemically induced incidents, the high risk groups were similar. A larger proportion of the chemically induced injuries resulted in first aid care only, whereas a larger proportion of non-chemical injuries required emergency room visits. Other major causes for allergy and irritation incidents included blood and body fluid, latex, air quality, and food/flowers/other objects.
Conclusions:
Younger and female workers, facility support service workers, lab assistants/technicians, maintenance and acute care facility workers are at a higher risk of allergy and irritation incidents. Prevention programs should be developed to reduce exposure to these hazards in the healthcare workplace.
Source of Funding: N/A
Amount in Funding: N/A