Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice.
Operating room (OR) teams face occupational health hazards arising from the physically demanding environment and the many tools, equipment, and personnel involved in surgery. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and techs may encounter biological, chemical, physical, ergonomic, and psychological risks. Effective occupational health protection for OR teams requires streamlined systems, appropriate equipment, workplace monitoring, and continuous staff education to reduce injury and long-term health consequences [1,2].
Exposure to bloodborne pathogens is a significant occupational concern in medicine, particularly through needlestick injuries and contact with contaminated sharps. Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV are among the most significant infectious risks. Preventive strategies include double gloving, safe sharps handling, neutral-zone techniques for instrument transfer, and hepatitis B vaccination. Prompt reporting of accidental needlestick or other injury is essential to facilitate risk assessment, appropriate testing, and timely postexposure prophylaxis when indicated. Underreporting and inconsistent adherence to protective practices remain important barriers to occupational safety [2].
Chemical exposure is another occupational health hazard for OR teams. Surgical smoke generated by electrocautery and laser instruments contains particulate matter, volatile chemicals, and potentially harmful biological material. Local smoke evacuation systems are therefore implemented to minimize inhalational exposure. Repeated contact with disinfectants, detergents, and latex-containing products may also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. In a multicenter study involving 331 nurses, OR nurses were found to experience significantly higher rates of dermatitis than hospitalization nurses (21.2% versus 12.7%). Appropriate gloves, skin protection, and careful selection of disinfectant concentrations can reduce these risks [2,3].
Waste anesthetic gases present potential occupational and environmental hazards as well. Exposure occurs through imperfect scavenging systems, anesthesia circuit leaks, and poorly fitted masks. Low-flow anesthesia and avoidance of unnecessary nitrous oxide or desflurane use may reduce emissions. Total intravenous anesthesia eliminates occupational exposure to volatile anesthetic gases but requires appropriate pharmaceutical waste management [4].
Ergonomic hazards are particularly prevalent because OR personnel frequently maintain prolonged static postures, perform repetitive movements, and handle heavy equipment or patients. A survey of 425 surgeons found that 84% considered their working posture uncomfortable or painful, while 97% believed ergonomic improvements were necessary. Additionally, another study found that musculoskeletal disorders were significantly more common among OR nurses than ward nurses (42.6% versus 25.2%). Adjustable operating tables, appropriately positioned monitors, ergonomic instruments, safe patient-handling techniques, and regular posture adjustments may help reduce physical strain [1,3].
Physical hazards include ionizing radiation, laser exposure, noise, electrical equipment, and environmental obstacles. Fluoroscopy requires appropriate protective shielding, radiation monitoring, and adherence to exposure-minimization principles. High-powered surgical instruments may generate potentially harmful noise levels, especially with regular exposure across long durations. Equipment inspections and organized cable management are similarly important; Matern and Koneczny reported that cables and tubing created tripping hazards in 83% of surveyed operating rooms [1,2].
Psychological and organizational risks also affect occupational health protections for OR teams. Long working hours, demanding procedures, staffing shortages, and high clinical responsibility may contribute to stress, fatigue, and burnout. Supportive teamwork, adequate staffing, manageable workloads, and access to occupational health resources are important preventative considerations [2,3].
Protecting OR personnel requires a comprehensive approach addressing infectious, chemical, physical, ergonomic, and psychological hazards. Regular training, effective engineering controls, adherence to safety protocols, and institutional commitment to occupational health are essential for maintaining a safe and sustainable surgical environment.
References
- Matern U, Koneczny S. Safety, hazards and ergonomics in the operating room. Surg Endosc. 2007;21(11):1965–1969. doi:10.1007/s00464-007-9396-4.
- Memon AG, Naeem Z, Zaman A, Zahid F. Occupational health related concerns among surgeons. Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 2016;10(2):279–291.
- Martí-Ejarque MM, Guiu Lázaro G, Coutado Juncal R, Pérez Paredes S, Díez-García C. Occupational diseases and perceived health in operating room nurses: a multicenter cross-sectional observational study. Inquiry. 2021;58:00469580211060774. doi:10.1177/00469580211060774.
- Varughese S, Ahmed R. Environmental and occupational considerations of anesthesia: a narrative review and update. Anesth Analg. 2021;133(4):826–835. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000005504.