Community Pharmacy Policy and Procedures: Occupational Safety and Health System

Objectives: This research aims to shed light on the significant new initiative of occupational safety and health policy in community pharmacy practice in Saudi Arabia, a topic of utmost importance in retail pharmacy. This research is crucial as it provides valuable insights into a field that directly impacts the safety and well-being of pharmacy professionals and patients alike. Methods: This was a comprehensive narrative review of pharmacy Occupational Safety and Health. We meticulously searched databases, including PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar, for specific Occupational Safety and Health policies and procedures in pharmacy practice. The search period spanned from the 1960s until October 2021 and the term was in English, including narrative review, systemic review, Meta-analysis and guidelines. All community pharmacy services were included in the search term, along with local and international guidelines of general occupational safety and health in hospital practice. The Pharmacy Occupational Safety and Health Committee, a crucial body formulated with various expert members, played a significant role in drafting and reviewing the policy guidelines, ensuring a comprehensive and well-informed approach. The guidelines of the policy draft by one member and the second member were reviewed and corrected. The occupational safety and health specialist did the third revision. The topic emphasizes the community Pharmacy Occupational Safety and Health policy and procedures and our thorough research process ensures the credibility of our findings. Results: The competency of the Pharmacy Occupational Safety and Health policy consisted of various items. The pharmacy assigns the responsibility of pharmacy occupational safety and health, sets up the strategic and annual plan for occupational safety and health, assesses occupational safety for community pharmacy and conducts the education and training courses for pharmacy occupational safety and health. Set up the procedures and guidelines for environmental, occupational safety, fire safety, pharmacy infection control and pharmacy disaster management. Besides quality management implementation for pharmacy occupational safety and healthcare and related key performance indicators. Conclusion: The community pharmacy occupational safety and health policy is a new initiative project and a practical and crucial aspect of community practice performances. Occupational Safety and Health policies and procedures are not just theoretical concepts but critical to any healthcare organization’s safety environment. They serve as a preventive measure against environmental-related accidents and problems and help avoid the economic burden of community pharmacy practice. Therefore, the Occupational Safety and Health policy and procedures are not just regulations but practical guidelines for healthcare institutions, including community pharmacies, during the transformation strategies of New Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia. These policies and procedures are designed with practicality in mind, ensuring their applicability and effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

Keywords: Occupational Safety and Health, Policy, Pharmacy, Competency, Saudi Arabia. 

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