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Injury Prevention Resources for Health Care - Chemical and Physical Hazards


Patient Handling | General Ergonomics | Violence | Infectious Disease |
Home Care | Chemical and Physical Hazards | General Safety |

The following links list tools, publications, and other resources to help prevent the most common injuries and illnesses in the health care industry. These resources may not meet all the requirements for health and safety in British Columbia. Please check the Workers Compensation Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and related materials for specific WorkSafeBC requirements.

Dealing with "Latex Allergies" at Work BK2

"The information in this booklet applies to a wide range of jobs with exposure to rubber products. This booklet explains the health problems that may be caused by using rubber products; the natural rubber latex protein allergy, which may cause severe health problems; and sources of information on "latex allergies."
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (552 KB)
* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.
Updated: December 2005

WorkSafe Bulletin: Spilled mercury contaminates a medical office

This bulletin provides the reader with information on what to do if there is a mercury spill in your workplace and how to develop and implement an exposure control plan.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* HTML

Chemical Exposure Assessment at Langley Memorial Hospital

"The purpose of the project was to quantify the nurses' exposure to formaldehyde and nitrous oxide and compare it to WorkSafeBC's exposure limits."
Source: Fraser Health Authority
* PDF (2 MB)
Dated: Summer 2001

Handling Cytotoxic Drugs in the Workplace

Cytotoxic drugs are handled by professionals in numerous healthcare, community and veterinary settings. Yet the ability of cytotoxic drugs to damage and kill cells so vital to cancer treatment creates potential risks to those who handle them during the course of their work. This comprehensive publication covers most scenarios involving the occupational handling of cytotoxic drugs.
Source: WorkSafe Victoria
* PDF (703 KB)
Dated: January 2003

Controlling Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Drugs

In response to numerous inquiries, OSHA published guidelines for the management of Cytotoxic (antineoplastic) drugs in the work place in 1986. At that time, surveys indicated little standardization in the use of engineering controls and personal protective equipment (P.E.). Although practices improved in subsequent years, problems still exist. In addition, the occupational management of these chemicals has been further clarified. These trends, in conjunction with many information requests, have prompted OSHA to revise its recommendations for hazardous drug handling.
Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
* HTML

Hospital eTool - Pharmacy Module

This eTool focuses on some of the hazards and controls found in the hospital Pharmacy setting, and describes standard requirements as well as recommended safe work practices for employee safety and health.
Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
* HTML

Cytotoxic Agents, Safe Handling Standards

This Policy covers the preparation, administration, and disposal of cytotoxic agents. Cytotoxic agents may also be referred to as antineoplastics or chemotherapy. These drugs may be administered by many routes. This policy refers to all routes of administration.
Source: BC Cancer Agency
* PDF (39 KB)
Dated: August 2000

Safe Handling of Cytotoxic Drugs

This guide aims to raise awareness among employers and employees of the hazards associated with cytotoxic drugs and the precautions to take when handling them. In particular, it focuses on the relevant regulatory framework, including risk assessment, and prevention and control of exposure. It will interest pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, medical and nursing staff, veterinary practitioners and others involved in handling these drugs and related waste.
Source: Health & Safety Executive, UK
* PDF (66 KB)
Dated: September 2003

Handling Hazardous Drugs Safely at Home

This information provides tips on handling hazardous drugs safely at home. By working safely with these substances, you can lessen the chance of exposing yourself and the environment to these chemicals.
Source: National Institutes of Health
* PDF (102 KB)

Cytotoxic Drugs

This guide explains the duty of an employer in a health care facility to protect workers who are likely to be exposed to cytotoxic drugs. Such worker exposure may occur at health care facilities such as hospitals, Special Care and Personal Care Homes, cancer and other medical clinics, and in home care situations.
Source: Saskatchewan Labour
* HTML

Lasers in Health Care

Describes the hazards resulting from the use of lasers in health care facilities, the types of protection or controls that can be used against these hazards, and the elements of a laser safety program and laser safety training program.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)
* HTML

Control of Smoke from Laser/Electric Surgical Procedures

Describes how to control the smoke byproduct from thermal destruction of tissue, which can contain toxic gases and vapours.
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
* HTML

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