Occupational Health And Safety In Pharmacies: A Critical Review

Abstract

Pharmacies play a crucial role in healthcare by providing medications, patient counseling, and preventive medicine. However, pharmacy workers face various occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards, including exposure to hazardous chemicals, musculoskeletal disorders, psychological stress, and biological hazards. These hazards can have significant consequences for the health and well-being of pharmacy workers, as well as for patient safety and pharmacy productivity. To address these challenges, there is a need for comprehensive OHS interventions, including training programs, safety equipment, and risk management strategies. Additionally, strengthening OHS policies and regulations is essential to ensure that pharmacy workers are adequately protected from occupational hazards. This review provides a critical overview of OHS in pharmacies, highlighting the prevalence and types of OHS hazards, the effectiveness of existing OHS interventions, and the need for improved OHS policies and regulations. The findings underscore the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of pharmacy workers to maintain a safe and effective healthcare system.