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The American Library Association (ALA, 2024) estimates that nearly 124,000 libraries of all types, staffed by nearly 370,000 workers, operate in the U.S. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2024) show more than 2,000 cases involving days away from work, restricted activity, or job transfer (DART) for librarians and media collection specialists, and more than 500 DART cases for library technicians. Library staff frequently empty book returns, carry books and other library materials, shift materials on shelves, and check books and materials into and out of the collection. Ensure that staff know where to find safety data sheets (EHS Daily Advisor, 2018). * Have a written bloodborne pathogens program in place and provide training for employees (OSHA, n.d.). * Train library workers in active shooter preparedness and have a plan for what to do in the event of an active shooter incident.
Library workers face unique safety challenges that safety professionals may not often consider. The American Library Association (ALA, 2024) estimates that nearly 124,000 libraries of all types, staffed by nearly 370,000 workers, operate in the U.S.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2024) show more than 2,000 cases involving days away from work, restricted activity, or job transfer (DART) for librarians and media collection specialists, and more than 500 DART cases for library technicians. The most frequent injury or illness event for librarians and media collection specialists was falls on the same level, followed closely by contact with an object and musculoskeletal disorders. Exposure to harmful substances or environments was the most frequent event for library technicians. Both occupational groups mostly experienced sprains, strains, tears, and soreness or pain as a result of a work-related injury or illness.
Some workplace injuries may go unreported in libraries because they are cumulative in nature and do not emerge until after long-term exposure, or because staff may consider an incident as part of the job and therefore do not think to report it. Injuries and potential hazards to library workers include:
* Repetitive stress and material handling injuries. Library staff frequently empty book returns, carry books and other library materials, shift materials on shelves, and check books and materials into and out of the collection. These activities may require workers to bend, stoop and move in awkward angles as well as perform repetitive movements.
* Harassment and violence. Library staff work with the public, and workers may encounter aggressive library patrons. Some patrons may bring alcohol, drugs, or weapons to the facility or threaten workers when they enforce library policies. If a situation escalates, library workers may be physically or verbally assaulted by patrons.
* Exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Library staff may be exposed to blood, vomit or other bodily fluids from library patrons.
Libraries can be proactive with workplace safety in several ways:
* Begin the week with safety awareness training (e.g., short safety meeting, toolbox talk); data show that most injuries in libraries occur on Mondays (Robson et al., 2012).
* Practice good housekeeping and perform periodic assessments of the floor space. Ensure that no rugs, cords, boxes or library materials are obstructing paths of travel. Ensure that library workspaces have adequate lighting to illuminate potential hazards. Shovel snow and remove debris that may pose a slipping or tripping hazard in outdoor spaces (Trotto, 2015).
* Train library staff on the proper technique for lifting materials to reduce back strain. Ensure that library staff have adequate tools such as dollies and carts to move heavy objects (Safe at Work California, 2021).
* Provide antifatigue mats for workers who stand for long periods. Encourage workers to take short hourly breaks to stretch (Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, 2022).
* Have a written hazard communication program in place and train staff whose duties require using chemicals or cleaning products. Ensure that staff know where to find safety data sheets (EHS Daily Advisor, 2018).
* Have a written bloodborne pathogens program in place and provide training for employees (OSHA, n.d.).
* Train library workers in active shooter preparedness and have a plan for what to do in the event of an active shooter incident. Train workers on de-escalation techniques to use when faced with aggressive patrons (Moeller-Peiffer, 2015).
While library work may seem to pose a low risk for occupational injuries, library workers face a wide range of potential hazards, some of which may not seem obvious. There is more to a library than reading books and comfy chairs. During a library science graduate program, a seasoned librarian expressed the belief that universities should include a course on biohazards and workplace violence for library science students, as both are encountered in professional practice. Library workers face physical and mental stress on a daily basis. Knowing potential risks is half the battle; the other halfis preparing library staff to stay protected through training, PPE and administrative controls. PSJ
Disclaimer
All views presented in this article are the author's alone and are not endorsed, sponsored, or promoted by the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation.
References
American Library Association (ALA). (2024, May 22). Library statistics and figures: Number of libraries in the United States. https://bit.ly/3X1 ARZe
Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). (2022, Jan. 25). Ergonomics: Antifatigue mats. https://bit.ly/3X3YK2d
EHS Daily Advisor. (2018, April 13). Hazard communication: 6 steps to an effective program. https://bit.ly/4k3pz03
Moeller-Peiffer, K. (2015, June 8). Libraries invest in active shooter training: Being prepared and taking precautions against senseless acts of violence. American Libraires. https://bit .ly/4hI4ves
OSHA. (n.d.). Bloodborne pathogens and needlestick prevention. https://bit.ly/3EzS]7c
Robson, L.S., Stephenson, C.M., Schulte, P.A., Amick, B.C, III, Irvin, E.L., Eggerth, D.E., Chan, S., Bielecky, A.R., Wang, A.M., Heidotting, T.L., Peters, R.H., Clarke, J.A., Cullen, K., Rotunda, C.J. & Grubb, P.L. (2012). A systematic review of the effectiveness of occupational health and safety training. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 38(3), 193-208. https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.3259
Safe at Work California. (2021, Feb. 12). Library Ergonomics. https://bit.ly/41hXZVC
Trotto, S. (2015, July 1). 11 tips for effective workplace housekeeping: Every worker plays a part. Safety+Health. https://bit.ly/4aXQCpP
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Nov. 8). Survey of occupational injuries and illnesses data. https://bit.ly/4b0TBxA
Copyright American Society of Safety Engineers Mar 2025