Table of Contents

Lessons 1. Basic Guidelines GoGo 2. Greeting and Identifying GoGo 3. Government Regulations GoGo 4. Reporting Safety Hazards GoGo

Table of Contents  Health care workers are responsible for learning the specific safety procedures at their facility.  One of the most important guidelines is to know the surroundings. ▫Location of exits, stairways, and elevators ▫Location of fire alarms and fire extinguishers ▫Emergency codes

Table of Contents  Reading a symbol is faster than reading words on a sign.  Many health care symbols are universal. They can be understood by people of many different languages.

Table of Contents Materials marked with this symbol may be contaminated or contain infectious pathogens.

Table of Contents  This symbol is found around radiation treatment areas and near X-ray facilities.

Table of Contents  These tags are used on damaged or dangerous equipment.

Table of Contents This sign indicates an area in which compressed oxygen is being used. No smoking or open flames should be present in these areas.

Table of Contents These signs indicate which type of protective equipment must worn when entering a specific area.

Table of Contents Areas marked with the isolation sign are highly contaminated and should only be entered by trained individuals who are wearing proper protective equipment.

Table of Contents  Ergonomics is the study of promoting the safety and comfort of a person by adapting the environment.  Ergonomics is concerned with how the design of a facility affects a person’s well-being.  Examples: ▫Comfortable temperature ▫Pleasant odor ▫Moderate noise level ▫Handicap accessible

Table of Contents  Every health care worker can contribute to a sanitary environment.  Clean up spills immediately.  Mark wet areas with caution signs or cones.  Give daily attention to high traffic areas.

Table of Contents  One of the most important roles of a health care worker is to help patients feel safe and secure.  This can be done by respecting a patient’s privacy, by greeting and identifying patients, and by explaining all procedures.  When identifying patients, health care workers must verify the patient’s name and birth date.

Table of Contents  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces safety standards in the workplace to protect employees from injury and illness.  The goal of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is to protect human health and the environment.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for protecting and advancing public health.

Table of Contents  A health care facility may be held liable for any injuries or accidents that result from negligence or malpractice.  When an accident happens or safety violation occurs, it must be reported to the supervisor right away.

Table of Contents  When an accident occurs that involves a patient, an employee, or a visitor, most facilities require that an event report be filed.  An event report includes: ▫Information about the victim ▫The victim’s description of the accident ▫Statements from witnesses  When interviewing the victim of an accident, use appropriate communication skills.

Table of Contents  Many times when accidents or incidents happen, it becomes necessary to consult an expert for information.  The Poison Control Center, the Center for Disease, and OSHA all have telephone hotlines. These phone numbers should be posted in the facility.