Occupational Health and Safety Practices in Genetic Disease Diagnostic Centers: A Statistical Analysis of Risk Factors

This study aims to identify key occupational health and safety (OHS) risks in genetic disease diagnostic centers (GDDCs) and provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance workplace safety. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was employed. Data were collected from 150 laboratory professionals working in 15 public and private GDDCs in Istanbul. A validated structured survey was used to gather information across six domains: physical and chemical hazards, personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance, risk perception, ergonomic conditions, training, and incident history. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were performed to explore relationships between safety variables and accident occurrences. The findings revealed that low PPE compliance, inadequate ergonomic setups, and limited risk awareness were major contributors to workplace accidents. Conversely, institutions that provided structured OHS training and implemented routine safety monitoring showed significantly lower accident rates. Additionally, improvements in ventilation systems, chemical storage practices, and training participation were associated with better safety outcomes. The study concludes that occupational safety in GDDCs is strongly influenced by PPE usage, ergonomic infrastructure, and safety awareness. Interventions focused on these areas can significantly reduce injury risks and contribute to the development of a safer and more compliant laboratory environment.