- Infection e.g. Legionnaires' disease, blood borne virus.
- Direct contact with infected blood or body fluids via needle stick or sharps injury, broken skin or splashes to mucous membranes.
- Inhalation of airborne droplets of respiratory secretions spread by coughing, sneezing etc.
- Contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment.
- Failure to use standard precautions.
- Stagnation of water system or failure to maintain water system.
- Adverse health effects such as allergies, eye irritation, dermatitis, birth defects, cancer.
- Fire, explosion, hit by flying projectiles.
- Eating and drinking in inappropriate areas.
- Needlestick injuries.
- Failure, rupture or leakage of compressed gas cylinders or fittings.
- Insecure or unrestrained gas cylinders.
- Mixing incompatible chemicals.
- Latex consumables e.g. gloves, catheters.
- Medications or excreted, unmetabolised drugs in patient's urine or faeces.
- Hazardous drugs due to inhalation from over pressurised vials or connecting and disconnecting intravenous tubing.
- Hazardous risk waste.
- Detergents and disinfectants.
- Electric shock.
- Lack of equipment maintenance.
- Handling sockets or equipment with wet hands.
- Overloading of sockets.
- Residents using unsuitable electrical equipment.
- Musculoskeletal disorder.
- Adopting sustained awkward postures e.g. bending to assist resident feeding, bending whilst making, moving or adjusting beds.
(such as wheelchairs, pump beds, hoists, electrical equipment).
- Cuts and bruises.
- Electric shock.
- Crushing injuries.
- Caught in moving parts.
- Lack of maintenance and thorough examination.
- Smoke inhalation.
- People smoking in inappropriate areas.
- Obstructed fire escape routes.
- Resident / visitor introducing electrical item.
- Contamination of oxygen or nitrous oxide supply system with oil or grease.
- Malfunctioning medical equipment.
Manual / Patient Handling
- Musculoskeletal disorders.
- Uncooperative resident.
- Awkward load liable to shift or drop.
- Preventing resident falling e.g. from a bed or commode chair.
- Lack of or unsuitable mechanical handling aids.
- Overexertion from lifting, transferring or repositioning patients.
- Improper lifting technique.
- Incorrect sling being used for the hoist.
- Failure to maintain manual handling devices.
- Puncture wound.
- Needle stick or sharp instrument injury whilst carrying out nursing activities e.g. taking blood.
- Handling of broken glass or porcelain.
- Cuts from razor blades when assisting residents washing.
- Digestion problems.
- Heart disease.
- Sleep problems.
- Changing shifts.
- Working nights.
Slips,Trips & Falls
- Minor injuries such as cuts to major injuries such as broken bones, concussion and even death.
- Trailing cables, loose medical tubing or nurse call bells, phone cords or computer cables.
- Wet slippery surfaces e.g. due to leaking soap dispensers, water, urine or food.
- Dry slippery surfaces e.g. due to dust, taclum powder or plastic wrapping.
- Lack of sockets.
- Assisting unsteady residents.
- Poor housekeeping.
- Unsuitable footwear.
Violence and Aggression
- Physical injury and / or psychological effects.
- Nursing residents especially confused or vulnerable residents.
- Resident reaction or resistance to nursing procedures or care e.g. taking blood.
- Aggressive colleagues.
- Dealing with angry or stressed family members.
- Robbery due to working where drugs are kept.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of hazards and risks.