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ImpactofmedicalwastehandlingontheoccupationalsafetyforcleanersinthehospitalsofthecityofJenin,Palestine

Article·January2013

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I.A.Al-Khatib

BirzeitUniversity

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Impact of Medical Waste Handling on the Occupational Safety for Cleaners in the

Hospitals of the City of Jenin, Palestine

Issam A. Al-Khatib*

ABSTRACT

This research provides an overview of the most important issues relevant to occupational safety of cleaners

in Jenin hospitals in the West Bank of Palestine. Research results showed a low level of occupational

safety of cleaners for several reasons; the lack of adequate training of cleaners on how to deal with medical

waste, to avoid their risks. About 25.8% of cleaners mentioned that they are not familiar with diseases that

can be transmitted through exposure to medical waste, and also do not have properly protective clothing

and shoes. Only 32.3% of them were wearing boots on a permanent basis, and 45.0% of them said that

their shoes are not resistant to puncture needles or other sharps. Additionally, 16.1% of cleaners confirmed

that they were not satisfied with their work; and 35.5% of them said that their officials sometimes keen on

their safety, health, and comfort. Also, 32.3% of the cleaners reported that they have been exposed to

wounds or scratches from sharp objects in the waste, and 50% of them have not been treated for wounds.

The study recommends that there should be legislations and guidelines that are binding clear. Also,

operational plans and instructions are required to protect the cleaners from risks, with the importance of the

presence of an integrated system for medical waste management.

Keywords: Occupational Safety, Cleaners, Hospitals, Medical Waste, Palestine.

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* Institute of Environmental and Water Studies, Birzeit University, Palestine. Received on 8/7/2012 and Accepted for

Publication on 14/1/2013.