SUMMARY

Despite the many occupational hazards in the operating room, the relative risk of each of the hazards discussed in this chapter has evolved with the times. The introduction of efficient scavenging systems has made anesthetic gas exposure less of a concern in recent years, whereas the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s has placed an emphasis on infection control. In 2004 it is clear that substance abuse and drug-related death have emerged as prominent occupational hazards to be addressed in the future. Ongoing education and awareness within the specialty will continue to reduce the risk of each of these hazards and improve the safety of our specialty.