BODY MECHANICS The way in which the body moves and maintains balance with the most efficient use of all its parts

Reasons for using correct body mechanics Muscles work best when used correctly Correct use of muscles makes lifting, pulling, pushing easier Prevents unnecessary fatigue and strain Saves energy Prevents injury to self

Eight basic rules of good body mechanics Maintain broad base of support- feet 8-10 in apart Bend from hips & knees to get close to object Keep back straight Use strongest muscles of arms/legs Avoid twisting body while working Avoid bending for long periods Get help if object too heavy Use equipment to help lift & move pts

Back Supports Wear during lifting or moving pts Supposed to help prevent back injuries Must be correct size Must be snug

OSHA-Occupational Safety & Health Administration Establishes & enforces safety standards for workplace Two main standards for health care: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemical Standard Bloodborn Pathogen Standard

Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemical Standard Employers must inform employees of all chemicals & hazards Must provided Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on all hazardous products All employers must train employees

MSDS- Material Safety Data Sheets Info about chemical Product identification information Hazards of the chemical Ingredients Maximum exposure limits Physical properties of chemical Stability and reactivity hazards Health effects of exposure Protection or precautions for handling and storage Required PPEs Environmental impacts Correct transporting of chemical Correct Spills, clean up, & disposal procedures Emergency first aid procedures Fire-fighting measures When SDS was prepared or revised

NFPA- National Fire Protection Association Chemicals must be labeled with hazardous category classification Color coded Alerts user to health, fire, reactivity, or other hazards of the chemical

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard Protection of health care providers from diseases caused by exposure to body fluids Blood or blood components Urine & stool Semen & vaginal secretions CSF Saliva, mucus Disease can be contracted HBV HCV HIV

Ergonomics Is an applied science used to promote the safety and well being of a person by adapting the environment and using techniques to prevent injuries Includes: Correct placement of furniture and equipment Training in required muscle movement Avoid repetitive motions Be aware of the environment

Environmental Hazards In Health care facilities can endangers patients, HCWs, other people, and the environment Radiation exposure ex- radiology dept and dental offices Radioactive iodine ex- used to diagnose thyroid problems and treat diseases Radioactive seeds - treat cancer Biohazard wastes ex: needles and syringes Medications and gases- antineoplastic drugs Nitrous oxide Mercury

Equipment & Solutions Regulations Read SDSs Never use solutions from unlabeled bottles Read labels of solutions at least 3 times Read before using, during use, and after use Make sure you have correct solution Do not mix solutions together unless instructed to do so Avoid contact of solutions with skin or eyes Do not inhale any fumes from solution Store all chemicals in a locked cabinet or closet Dispose of chemicals correctly Report any incidents to supervisor immediately

Equipment & Solutions Regulations Make sure equipment is in proper location at all times Do not operate equipment until instructed on how to use it Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment-DO NOT USE Do not use frayed or damaged electrical cord or if third prong of plug broken off Report incidents immediately

Patient Safety Regulations Do not perform any procedures on patients unless you have been instructed and have proper authorization Ask questions if you do not understand Provide privacy for all patients

Patient Safety Regulations Identify the patient Check identification wrist band Repeat the name at least twice Check the name on patient’s bed or record Explain the procedure Do not perform a procedure on pt if they refuse to allow you to do it Observe patient closely during any procedure

Patient Safety Regulations Check patient environment for safety hazards Observe all safety checkpoints before leaving patient in bed Patient in comfortable position Side rails elevated Bed lowest level to floor Wheels locked Call signal within easy reach Area neat and clean with no safety hazards

Personal Safety Regulations Use correct body mechanics Wear required uniform Walk in hallways-do not run Report any injury or accident Report any unsafe conditions Keep all areas neat and clean Wash hands frequently Wear PPE Avoid horseplay & jokes Solutions coming into contact with eyes or skin should be flushed with water & reported

Preventing Needle Sticks Be careful when handling-most sticks occur from carelessness Dispose of all sharps in a puncture-resistant sharps container Never recap, bend, or remove dirty needles Never carry sharps with tips toward others or self Never hand sharps across a patient Immediately clean puncture wound and cover Report incident to supervisor

Maintaining Client Safety Injury due to falls is a major problem in health care Health care providers must anticipate potential falls and take steps to avoid injuries

Categories of Falls Falls on same level: Falls on different levels: tripping, bumping, slipping Falls on different levels: misjudging a distance, overreaching, inadequate ambulation equipment, inadequate training or instructions

Reducing the Risk of Falls Provide handrails Keep floors clean & uncluttered Keep floors dry Remove excess equipment Clear electrical wiring & cables Provide gait belts for patients Be prepared to brake fall of client while maintaining personal safety

Fire Safety Three things needed to start a fire: Oxygen: found in the air Fuel: any material that will burn Heat: sparks, matches, flames

Fire Safety Causes of fires: Smoking and matches Misuse of electricity Defects in heating systems Spontaneous ignition Improper rubbish disposal Arson

Fire Safety Preventing Fires: Be alert to causes of fires Correct any situations leading to fires Obey “NO Smoking” signs Extinguish matches, cigarettes, flammables Dispose of all waste in proper containers Handle electrical equipment carefully Store flammable materials in proper containers and in safety cabinets

Fire Safety Classes of Fire Extinguishers Class A Class B Class C Contains pressurized water Used on combustibles such as paper, cloth, plastic and wood Class B Contains carbon dioxide Used on flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, oil, paint grease, and cooking fat Class C Contains carbon dioxide, Potassium bicarbonate or sodium, Halon Used on electrical fires such as fuse boxes, appliances, wiring, and electrical outlets Class D Used on burning or combustible metals Class ABC Contains monoammonium phosphate Multipurpose-for all types of fires

Discharging the extinguisher P pull the pin A aim S squeeze S sweep

R A C E Rescue anyone in immediate danger Activate the alarm Contain the fire Extinguish the fire or Evacuate the area

Fire rules in the health care facility If your personal safety is endangered-get out Move all patients/personnel in immediate danger Activate alarm Close all doors/windows Know location/use of extinguishers Shut off electrical equipment and oxygen Never use elevators

Disaster Plans Examples: Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Floods, and Bomb Threats HCWs are legally responsible for familiarizing themselves with disaster policies so appropriate action is taken. Things to remember: Stay Calm Follow policy of the health care policy Provide safety for yourself and the patient

Project Everyone will choose a Health Care Facility to research – Name yours Develop a policies and procedure manual Include information about body mechanics, ergonomics, occupation exposure risks, and safety Create a map of the facility

Rubric Total Points Points Received Use of color, graphics, 10 headings Creativity 10   Information is clear & easy to read 10 Danger/Risk/ Proper procedure Explained 25 Map 25 Information is accurate 20 TOTAL POINTS _________________

Suggested Resources OSHA.gov CDC.gov KPHS Databases At the OSHA website page type in Ergonomics in the search area at the top of the page. Click on “Ergonomics: Hospital eTool.” CDC.gov KPHS Databases Current facility manuals