Exploring Occupational Health Risk among laboratory technicians in Rajnandgaon: Insights from a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: Laboratory technicians are routinely exposed to a wide range of occupational health risks, including biological, chemical, physical, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards. Inadequate awareness and suboptimal adherence to occupational health and safety (OHS) measures increase the risk of laboratory-acquired infections, injuries, and work-related illnesses. Evidence from district-level health facilities in India remains limited.
Objectives: To assess the occupational health risks and the level of awareness regarding occupational safety measures and preventive practices among laboratory technicians in Rajnandgaon district, Chhattisgarh.
Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among laboratory technicians working in government medical colleges, district hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres in Rajnandgaon district, Chhattisgarh. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist assessing general awareness and biological, chemical, physical, and psychosocial hazards. Data were analysed using Microsoft excel spreadsheet and the chi-square test; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 66 laboratory technicians participated in the study. Most participants were male (71.2%) and had more than five years of work experience (68.2%). While awareness of incident reporting procedures (95.5%) and emergency response plans (93.9%) was high, only 27.3% knew where to access OHS regulations or had reviewed the OHS hazards and controls handbook. Consistent use of personal protective equipment was reported by 68.2% participants. Chemical safety awareness was poor, with only 37.9% having received chemical safety training and 4.5% knowing the location of MSDS/SDS. Significant associations were observed between PPE use and chemical spill response training (p = 0.002), educational status and chemical safety training (p = 0.008), and years of experience with safe autoclave use (p = 0.014).
Conclusion: Technicians with more experience showed better awareness of emergencies, ergonomic risks, and safe equipment use. Those with higher education levels demonstrated stronger understanding of safety procedures and chemical handling. Spill-response training had the greatest impact, improving PPE use, disinfectant preparation, and knowledge of OHS rules and rights. Trained technicians were also far more likely to review safety documents and undergo respirator fit-testing. Hence experience, education, and targeted training are key to improving occupational health and safety among laboratory staff.