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Healthcare and Social Assistance Advancing priorities through research and partnerships

 

June 2009
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2009-149
Health Care worker wearing full scrubs in an operating theater assisting in a procedure.

Most people think of the Healthcare and Social Assistance (HCSA) industry as providing clean, sterile and safe places to work. In reality, HCSA workers are exposed to many hazards that can affect their health and well-being. Their work exposes them to life threatening infections, such as SARS, HIV and hepatitis. They work with highly toxic cancer treating drugs and various chemical agents. They perform physically demanding tasks, such as lifting patients. In fact, this sector of the economy is highly hazardous and puts workers at a surprising risk for illness and injury.

Healthcare and Social Assistance Advancing priorities through research and partnerships [PDF – 748 KB]