Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) with Emphasize on Biosafety in Parasitology Laboratory

Abstract

Aims: to refresh the memory regarding OHS implementation in the Parasiology clinical lab. Discussion: around 380,000 workers or 13.7% of the 2.78 million workers die from work-related accidents and diseases. Furthermore, >374 million people are injured, wounded or become ill annually due to accidents that occur with workers. Unfortunately, work related accident data regarding specific population, namely lab worker is scarce, mostly due to underreported incident, near miss or even accident in the lab. Problems with OHS, including biosafety implementation, in a clinical laboratory commonly related to poorly written guidelines which can be overcome by making a laboratory guidelines. The purpose of OHS is to protect employees from accidents and injuries. The best way to prevent and avoid any unwanted laboratory incident or near miss or accidents is to be always prepared, always well trained and always informed about the exact lab procedure along with all the risk. Protecting and improving the health of lab workers and also the medical students is a mandatory and should conducted over and over until it become safety culture. Laboratory guideline suppose to be implemented actively and periodically must be upgraded. Along with proper usage of personel protective equipment, best practice of hygiene, lab waste management and control of access among all individuals whose conducted activities in the laboratory. Conclusion: Occupational health and safety (OHS) as a multidisciplinary science and best practice is actually very dynamic. The scope is broad but all are aimed at safety and security. It is the duty and responsibility of every stakeholder to study, pay close attention and do their best to implement OHS.