5.3.2.2. Needlestick injuries (NSI)
Between 30 October 2003 and 21 October 2008, 24 German hospitals notified needle stick injuries
and cuts and contact with blood or body fluids to the EPINet (Exposure Prevention Information
Network) [121]. In these hospitals, a total of 2,452 NSI and cuts were registered for the entire staff, of
which 71 in the hospital cleaning staff (2.95 % of all cases). Furthermore, in two cases the cleaning
staff had had contact with blood or body fluids (1.12 % of all 179 cases of contact with blood/body
fluids). Disposal of medical waste carries a clear risk of injury with needle and sharps for
cleaners.
5.3.2.3. Skin diseases
Skin diseases are among the most frequent work-related diseases in cleaners [98].
Darsow et al. analysed data for 439 cleaners, of which 417 female, from the Informationsverbund
Dermatologischer Kliniken (IVDK – information network of dermatology clinics) in Germany between
1990 and 1994. The main diagnoses were allergic contact eczema (178 cases, 40.5%) and
irritant contact eczema (92 cases, 21.0%). In 231 cases (52.6%) the hands were mainly
affected. The duration of work did not correlate with the number of work-related skin alterations [122].
Further studies confirm the high prevalence of work-related dermatitis in cleaners [30] – higher
than in other jobs [96]. Work-related contact dermatitis in cleaners may be caused by [96]:
dermal exposure to the chemicals present in cleaning products [26];
wet work and frequent contact with water (particularly when more than two hours a day);
dermal contact with biological agents (e.g. plants, bacteria and fungi);
mechanical abrasion (e.g. when using abrasive substances); and
physical agents (e.g. vibration).
In addition, the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves that do not permit the skin to
“breathe” may cause skin alteration and skin diseases [122] [123].
A review by K. Messing confirms that cleaners have a high prevalence of skin problems,
particularly dermatitis and eczema, and that cleaners who spend more time with wet hands
have more skin problems [40].