A Risk Assessment of Ergonomic and Biological Hazards in Health Care Housekeeping Operations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate work practices related to handling waste bags within the Housekeeping Department at Company XYZ. The improper handling of waste bags poses potential risks for musculoskeletal injuries and biohazard infections to the housekeeping personnel. The study's goals included performing observations of waste handling practices, conducting interviews with housekeeping staff, and analyzing injury reports. The collected data indicated that housekeeping personnel routinely perform repetitive lifting, awkward postures, and improper lifting techniques due to workplace design deficiencies and minimal safe lifting training. Waste handling equipment surface disinfection practices were deemed to be inadequate due to the use of non-sporicidal quaternary ammonium products, inconsistent disinfectant concentrations, and limited contact times, which are ineffective against potential Clostridioides difficile contamination. Biohazard contamination controls were deficient, with 40 percent of waste bags leaking or unsealed as well as inconsistent personal protective equipment (PPE) use during various housekeeping activities. Injury records from January 2024 through June 2025 indicated an OSHA incidence rate of 16.7 medical treatment injuries per 200,000 hours worked. Process improvement recommendations include providing employee training on ergonomic waste handling practices, the use of powered waste carts with handles and lifting aids, lowering the waste dumpster opening to 48 to 52 inches, providing cart handle heights which range from 36 to 42 inches, improving PPE availability, increasing the cleaning / disinfection of high-touch surfaces and utilizing sporicidal disinfectants which are effective for controlling Clostridioides difficile.