OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES AND ASSOCIATED RISKS IN A HOSPITAL LAUNDRY DEPARTMENT: A CASE STUDY OF A HOSPITAL IN PHATTHALUNG PROVINCE

Abstract

          The hospital laundry department plays a crucial role in managing clean linen for the hygiene of patients and personnel. However, its work processes may involve various risk factors affecting the occupational health and safety of workers. This exploratory study aimed to assess occupational exposures and their associated risks within the laundry department of a hospital in Phatthalung Province. The sample consisted of 25 workers. Data were collected through questionnaires, observations, and hazard identification with risk assessment using checklist techniques. The risk assessment was categorized into four levels: negligible, acceptable, high, and unacceptable, based on the Department of Industrial Works regulations. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The assessment results revealed high-level risks in all nine main work processes of the laundry department, totaling 21 issues. The highest risk was identified in the drying process, while exposure to textile dust and inappropriate working postures were prevalent risks in almost every work process. Therefore, the hospital should implement risk control and prevention measures against environmental and operational hazards that pose risks to the health and safety of workers, such as hazard elimination at the source, training on appropriate working postures, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), regular monitoring of the working environment, continuous safety supervision by supervisors, and the promotion of a safe working environment in the workplace.