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. 2011 Jun 24;3:47–85. doi: 10.2147/NSS.S19649

Table 4.

A hospital is a dangerous place – especially if you are tired

Wide Range of Hazards

  • Infectious agents

  • Chemicals and physical agents

  • Lifting and repetitive tasks (ergonomic hazards)

  • Stress (psychological hazards)

  • Workplace violence

  • Suboptimal organization of work
Shift Work, Long Hours Impairs Functioning of Many Body Systems

  • Impaired immune functioning

  • Musculosketal disorders
Sleep Deprivation Weakens the Healthcare Team Model

  • Impaired cognititive flexibility

  • Poor risk assessment

  • Bad mood, personality changes

  • Difficulty in personal relationships
Claire C. Caruso PhD, RN, Research Health Scientist
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Harvard IOM Conference presentation, June 17, 2010