The risk of hazards in laboratories of educational groups in the Faculty of Health, Shahid Sadougi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd-2023

Improving the safety of working environments is one of the duties of any efficient system. Evaluating the risk of hazards is one of the most efficient ways to increase safety issues. Paying attention to the statistics of laboratory accidents and the positive effects of risk assessment to improve safety is of great importance. 

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the laboratories of Shahid Sadoqhi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, using a quantitative three-dimensional cost equation. Based on the regular observation of existing processes and equipment, the evaluation team used a quantitative risk equation as an indication of safety performance at the level of laboratories. The ranking was based on the probability of risk, the frequency of exposure, and the maximum damage potential through a quantitative equation. Finally, the risk score of each laboratory was determined, and the ranking of the risk level of the laboratories was announced. Corrective solutions were suggested, and the evaluation was repeated. The data was entered into the SPSS 20 software and interpreted using descriptive and analytical statistics. 

In general, 52% of the risks identified in laboratories are at a low-risk level. The highest and lowest average evaluation scores were 55.86 ± 30.89 for environmental chemistry and 28.38 ± 13.51 for food safety and health research laboratory, respectively. The highest evaluation score was for the environment laboratory. There was a significant relationship between the risk components before and after providing the suggested solutions. According to the results of the research, the overall safety status of the educational laboratories in the Faculty of Health is at a relatively favorable level. However, chemical hazards and thermal safety are the highest priority to control and perform better regarding improvement.