Citation

Unruh L, Asi Y. Workplace Health Saf. 2018; 66(10): 482-492.

Affiliation

University of Central Florida.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Publisher SAGE Publications)

DOI

10.1177/2165079918756909

PMID

29897023

Abstract

Workplace injuries, such as musculoskeletal injuries, needlestick injuries, and emotional and physical violence, remain an issue in U.S. hospitals. To develop meaningful safety programs, it is important to identify workplace factors that contribute to injuries. This study explored factors that affect injuries in a sample of newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs) in Florida. Regressions were run on models in which the dependent variable was the degree to which the respondent had experienced needlesticks, work-related musculoskeletal injuries, cuts or lacerations, contusions, verbal violence, physical violence, and other occupational injuries. A higher probability of these injuries was associated with greater length of employment, working evening or night shifts, working overtime, and reporting job difficulties and pressures. A lower probability was associated with working in a teaching hospital and working more hours. Study findings suggest that work environment issues must be addressed for safety programs to be effective.

Language: en

Keywords

management; mental health; occupational hazards; occupational health and safety programs; occupational injuries; older workers; organizational culture/climate; shift work; workforce; workplace violence