Date of Award

8-2025

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Health Science and Human Ecology

First Reader/Committee Chair

Dorothy Chen

Abstract

Custodians play an important role in maintaining our surroundings safe and sanitary. However, in doing so, they are their exposure to health hazards that put them at risk, yet these exposures are often overlooked. One major risk they face is contact with bloodborne pathogens, which put custodial staff at risk for infections such as hepatitis B. While Job Safety Analyses (JSA’s) outline various protective measures, many fail to incorporate medical surveillance as part of their risk management program. Overlooking this important detail leaves custodians vulnerable to health risks that can be prevented.

Adding a medical surveillance section to custodial JSA’s, with a specific focus on hepatitis B vaccination as a preventative measure is essential in protecting these custodians. Incorporating vaccination standards and routine health monitoring into the JSA would create a more proactive approach to occupation safety which would ensure that custodians receive the necessary protection before being exposed.

After thorough research of occupational health policies and other studies, including medical surveillance can help reduce long-term health complications. Protecting custodians means going beyond the standard safety measures to establish a workplace culture that prioritizes prevention. Implementing the medical surveillance component not only enhances compliance with safety regulations, but it also leads to fewer work-related illnesses, lower healthcare expenses, and an improvement in overall health.

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