Enhancing Hospital Safety through Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA): An Analytical Study

The safety of patients, staff members, and visitors in healthcare environments is essential, as biological, chemical, mechanical, and psychosocial hazards can all pose substantial risks. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of safety policies adopted at VY Hospital in lowering the severity and likelihood of hazards identified using the Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis (HIRA) methodology. Data were gathered from a variety of departments, including the Pathology Lab, Radiology, Critical Care Unit, and others, and appraised using a risk matrix based on severity and likelihood. Staff training, equipment maintenance, waste management, and monthly safety audits were among the control methods used. The effectiveness of the new safety protocols was assessed using a paired t-test, which compared risk scores before and after implementation. The study discovered a considerable reduction in the severity and likelihood of recognized hazards following the introduction of safety standards. Monthly safety audits and better training programs helped to foster a safe culture, resulting in fewer injuries among employees and increased operational efficiency. The findings show that systematic HIRA and proactive safety measures improve safety outcomes in hospital settings, highlighting the importance of ongoing assessments and improvements in safety standards to provide a safe healthcare environment.