Chemical splash injuries are a preventable occupational hazard in histopathology laboratories. Despite regulatory frameworks, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 and Use and Standard of Chemicals Hazardous to Health (USECHH) Regulations 2000, compliance gaps persist. This study evaluated the impact of a modular re-training program combined with a structured chemical safety assessment on laboratory safety practices in a Category I hospital in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The study was prompted by a chemical splash injury to the right eye of a 27-year-old female Medical Laboratory Technologist while handling a femur bone-marrow biopsy specimen fixed in formalin and transferred to Osteosoft (an alkaline decalcifying agent, corrosive—GHS05, pH 7.0–7.3). Root-cause analysis identified inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) use and unsafe container handling. Methodology: A modular re-training program was implemented, focusing on chemical safety, correct PPE use, safe container handling, emergency response, and legal responsibilities by adapting the Lean Six Sigma DMAIC framework. A nine-domain chemical safety checklist, adapted from institutional resources, assessed documentation, engineering controls, adherence to Safe Work Procedures (SWP), PPE, handling, storage/waste management, emergency preparedness, training/monitoring, and legal compliance. Each item was scored 0–2 (0 = non-compliant; 1 = partial; 2 = fully compliant), with total compliance categorized as <70% = Unsatisfactory, 70–89% = Acceptable, ≥90% = Good. Results: Post-training, overall compliance improved from 65.6% (Unsatisfactory) to 100% (Good). Staff achieved full PPE compliance, improved adherence to SWP, enhanced hazard awareness, and no recurrence of incidents over three months. Discussion: The modular re-training reinforced safe practices through focused, repetitive instruction, while assessment scores enabled objective monitoring and accountability. It is recommended that to implement periodic (e.g., quarterly) modular re-training for all histopathology staff focusing on high-risk chemicals, PPE requirements, safe container handling, and emergency response. This ensures continuous reinforcement of safety-critical behaviours. Conclusion: Combining modular re-training with systematic safety assessment strengthened compliance, fostered a culture of safety, and supported sustained safe chemical handling practices.
- Open Access
- Article
From Incident to Insight: Impact of a Modular Re-Training Approach in a Histopathology Laboratory of a Category I Hospital in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia †
- Anantha Kumar Rajendran 1, 2, *, ‡,
- Lau Fui Yin 1, ‡,
- Roszita Binti Ibrahim 2, ‡,
- Azimatun Noor Aizuddin 2, ‡,
- Wong Khung Ying 1, ‡,
- Menaka Dharshinii Selvaraj 3, ‡
Author Information
Received: 20 Mar 2026 | Revised: 21 Apr 2026 | Accepted: 13 May 2026 | Published: 08 Jul 2026
Abstract
Graphical Abstract
Keywords
laboratory safety | chemical exposure | training | regulatory | lean | six sigma
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