Occupational Health and Safety Challenges Faced by Caregivers and the Respective Interventions to Improve their Wellbeing

Abstract

This research aimed to identify the occupational health and safety issues in caregivers' workplaces: physical hazards, psychological demands, and organisational dimensions. This concerned broad physical dangers for workers, including musculoskeletal diseases, infection risks, toxic materials and substances, fatigue, and extended working hours. Additionally, the existing works explored the impact of psychological factors such as emotional exhaustion, compassion stress, burnout, stress, anxiety, and even secondary traumatisation on caregivers. Furthermore, it analysed the systematic issues related to workplace violence, lack of personnel, poor training and professional development, and having fewer protective gear and safety measures. The research has illustrated various interventions and practices that might enhance occupational safety and caregivers' wellbeing. These include organisational policies and procedures, such as establishing safe operating procedures, ensuring adequate protective gear is supplied to workers, and promoting a healthy company culture with efficient support networks. Risk prevention measures in this subdivision include safe patient handling procedures recognised as necessary in reducing physical risks, ergonomic workstation and equipment design, and stretching and exercise promotion. Moreover, the study revealed that while mental support and wellbeing were deemed essential for the workforce, which includes EAP, stress control, and mental toughness, seminars, as well as support groups, were considered insufficiently developed. The study finally demonstrated the importance of policy and legal advocacy based on enhancing occupational health and wellness standards, better workers' compensation and benefits, and raising public awareness.