Abstract:

Laboratories are working spaces where there is a high exposure to many combined risks. In this study, it is aimed to reveal the occupational risk factors of laboratory workers and the occupational health and safety measures applied for these risks. In this context, in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with 12 people working in the medical center laboratory of the provincial state hospital where the research was conducted. As a result of the interviews, it was understood that the occupational risks in the researched laboratory were of physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic and psychosocial origin. Among the physical risk factors, improper ventilation and thermal comfort increase exposure to chemical and biological risk factors. Exposure to loud noise also negatively affects the health of workers. In the interviews, inappropriate laboratory design, lack of space, irregularity and lack of hygiene are emphasized. Along with the lack of an efficient and comprehensive educational program, the lack of knowledge about disaster and emergency management also attracts attention. The study was completed by comparing the findings obtained from the interviews with the existing studies conducted in this field and with suggestions that will contribute to the improvement of the working environment within the scope of occupational health and safety.

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