Occupational Risk Management in Hospitals and Its Impact on Employee Safety

Abstract

Hospitals are among the most hazardous work environments, exposing employees to a wide range of physical, biological, chemical, ergonomic, and psychosocial risks. Occupational risk management (ORM) serves as a systematic framework for identifying, assessing, and mitigating these risks to protect healthcare workers. This paper reviews the key components of occupational risk management in hospital settings, examines the most prevalent hazards faced by healthcare employees, and evaluates the impact of structured ORM programs on employee safety outcomes. Drawing on a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2010 and 2025, this study demonstrates that hospitals with robust ORM frameworks report significantly lower rates of workplace injuries, needlestick incidents, musculoskeletal disorders, and occupational burnout. The paper further discusses regulatory frameworks, implementation challenges, and best practices for improving occupational health and safety in hospitals. Findings underscore the critical need for institutional commitment, multidisciplinary collaboration, and continuous monitoring to sustain effective ORM systems in healthcare environments.