Authors (including presenting author) :
Hung SY, Li HLF, Cheung PH, Cheung YHK, Leung WMW, Wong MYM, Wong MSM
Affiliation :
Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Hong Kong East Cluster
Introduction :
A work-related accident is any unintended event that occurring during work. The Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare (FM&PHC) faces unique challenges in maintaining a safe workplace due to diverse activities involved in patient care. Establishing a robust safety culture is essential for minimizing workplace injuries and ensuring staff well-being. From January 2021 to December 2023, FM&PHC reported 31 injury on duty (IOD) cases: 11 in 2021, 9 in 2022 and 11 in 2023. The clinic nurse and doctor in charge, alongside the department management team, managed these case. Most incidents were found to be preventable.
Objectives :
1.Implement strategies that foster a safety culture within the department
2.Promote staff awareness of occupational safety
3.Reduce the incidence of workplace injuries
Methodology :
IOD cases from 2021 to 2023 were individually reviewed and classified by primary contribution factors, staff groups. Quantitative analysis identified recurring themes. In the Department Quality and Safety (Q&S) Committee Meeting, members discussed strategies and implemented the improvement, including training, regular safety audits, spot checks, and integrated safety round with multidisciplinary staff, such as Infection Control Team. A monthly 5S schedule was implemented, focusing on tidying the working environment. Occupational Safety and Health topics were included in various department meetings, with learning points from IOD cases shared among staff. Special workgroups were initiated, such as blood taking focus workgroup. Occupational safety and Health (OSH) “Fun Day” were organized to enhance staff knowledge on topics such as Slip, Trip, Fall and Struck (STFS) and Manual Handling (MHO).
Result & Outcome :
A total of 31 IOD cases were reviewed, among there, 45.2 % related to STFS; and 35.5% were due to needle stick or sharp injuries. In-depth investigation into similar environment factors and staff behaviors were conducted, leading to targeted strategies for improvement. For instance, ensuring all sharp boxes were properly located and it shoud be clearly visible and placed within the arm reach of staff. In 2024 IOD cases significantly decreased to 5.
Strengthening the occupational safety culture through structured improvements and a safe working environment is essential for reducing workplace injuries.
