Organizational factors affecting worker-related injuries in private hospitals in Lebanon

Abstract

Healthcare employees face many occupational challenges that affect their health and safety. Numerous studies have established that unsafe work environment and inadequate management strategies in hospitals result in high number of work-related injuries, however, such associations are not yet studied in Lebanon.This study aims to identify the number and type of work-related injuries in various job classifications in Lebanese private hospitals and to examine the association between specific organizational factors and the prevalence of work-related injuries.A cross-sectional study of 68 private Lebanese hospitals was conducted in February 2011. The Occupational Health and Safety officer in each hospital was interviewed by a trained field staff using a standardized questionnaire. A Poisson regression model was employed to analyze the association between organizational factors and the prevalence of work-related injuries, adjusting for other relevant variables.Results of the study indicated an average of 14.6 injuries per 100 employees per 12 months within the participating private Lebanese hospitals. Being a small hospital and providing long-term care increased the risk of reported work-related injuries. The availability of an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) department in the hospital and training staff on OHS matter decreased the risk of reported work-related injuries. The availability of good work organization and safety equipment in the hospital were protective factors against work-related injuries. Accredited hospitals were less likely to have work-related injuries than non-accredited hospitals.Findings of this study shed light on the prevalence and determinants of work-related injuries in private Lebanese hospitals, which can be used in intervention plans to enhance safety programs and reduce work-related injuries. Further research is needed to explore other organizational factors affecting work-related injuries in both private and public Lebanese hospitals.