SAFETY AND SECURITY

Topics:

Safety in the workplaceCommon injuriesReducing riskProper body mechanicsPatient/client safetyEquipment safety

Activities that can increase risk to HCW’s?

Lifting/moving patientsSitting for long periodsWorking with sharpsExposure to chemicalsWorking with electrical equipmentWorking with blood and body fluids

Safety for the HCW

Common injuries:

RMI’s

What are they?Poor practices repeated over time will impact

your future

• http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=body+mechanics&FORM=HDRSC3#view=detail&mid=B81C77B5C8CD54EB48F3B81C77B5C8CD54EB48F3

Overuse of one body part:

Examples:

Carpal tunnel

S&S:Numbness, tingling of hands.Pain and loss of strength.

Thoracic outlet syndrome:Disks(Vertebrae) compress.All periods of bending, stooping.

S&S:Pain in neck, arms, shoulders. Decrease in circulation.

Tendonitis:S&S:

Inflammation in joints. Pain in arms, elbows

Prevention?

Other HCW risks:

Back/neck injuriesToxic exposureElectrical shockBiohazard exposure

Body mechanics

Definition?

Use of safest and most efficient methods for moving and lifting.

General Rules

It’s easier to push or pull than liftAvoid twistingBend at hips and kneesHold objects closeUse stronger musclesWhich muscles should be avoided?

What is our base of support?Center of gravity?Line of gravity?Correct posture?

Questions

Standard Precautions

• Basically……

– ON ALL PATIENTS!!!

Assisting the client to move

Assess if you need helpCheck orders firstLock breaks on beds and chairsDangle client first

Position chair on strong side

Explain procedure

Synchronize movement

OOB to Chair

Check client status before, during and after

Call light in reach

Ambulating with Pt.

When is it used?

How is it applied?

Sliding board?

Transfer board?

Transfer Belt/Gait Belt

Fall Precautions

When should they be used?

Safety in the workplace

Safety committeesWho is responsible for maintaining safety?

Everyone!!!!

Electrical Safety

Report all electrical equipment that appears defective.

Chemical Exposure

Exposure from cleaning supplies generally.Make sure using in ventilated area

Right to Know Laws

OSHAMSDSGuidelines for handling hazardous

wasteRead labelsFollow instructions for..

MSDS

Proper useStorageDisposalAccidental spillsPPE… what is it?

How to Dress

Appropriate clothes.Long hair needs to be tied backNo hoop earringsNo heels

Safety for you and Coworkers

Never walk with exposed sharpsClean up spillsDon’t store food and lab specimens

togetherAlmost all injuries occur from poorpractices repeated over time

Ergonomics

• Sitting with back straight and both feet on the floor

• Wrists straight when typing

Patient SafetyCheck ID’s. Don’t trust the pt.

If injured, assess, then call for help.

If fainting or falling? Ease to floor.

Keep bed in low position

Make sure all “things” accessible.

Fire safety

When do we prepare for a fire?

Before it happens!!!

How do we prepare?

Know procedure

Location of alarms and extinguishers

Know how to RACE

RACEREMOVE PERSONEL FROM

IMMEDIATE AREAACTIVATE THE ALRM SYSTEM. ALL FIRESCONTAIN/CONFINE THE FIRE IF ABLE.

CLOSE WINDOWS AND DOORS, NEVER PROP OPEN A FIRE DOOR IN A FACILITY. THEY ARE DESIGNED TO CONTAIN SMOKE AND FIRE. TURN OFF OXYGEN AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

EVACUATE/EXTINGUISH

Fire Extinguishers

Class AClass BClass CClass ABC

PASS

Safety with oxygen

Dangerous??

Precautions:

Disaster plans

When are they used?Staff notification?Evacuation procedures?HCW responsibility?