General Safety Body Mechanics Ergonomics Back Safety Office/Field Safety Electrical Safety First Aid Accident/Incident Reporting

Body Mechanics and Ergonomics Body Mechanics - positioning and techniques when doing physical work on the job. Ergonomics - proper alignment and positioning when working at a seated or standing workspace.

Evaluate the Situation Evaluating the situation before beginning physical work will help to prevent injury. Get help, as needed. Prepare the area, allowing for enough room to move around safely. Use appropriate equipment for the situation, making sure equipment is locked in place and set up properly. Stay close to work area, and use step stools and long handled equipment for cleaning/maintenance when appropriate.

Transferring Patients Always use proper equipment (hoyer, slideboard, RW) and number of persons recommended. Tell the patient what you are doing. Encourage the patient to do as much as he/she can.

Back Safety To pick up a low load: Start with close, straight alignment, keeping center of object close to your body. Bend knees with feet placed apart, keeping back and arms straight. Pause, adjust your grip and lift to standing, holding the load as close to your body as possible. Move in a slow, controlled manner and avoid quick, jerky movements. As you rise, lift your head and your back will maintain its neutral curves.

General Lift/Transfer Technique Bend knees with feet placed apart, keeping back and arms straight. Move in a slow, controlled manner and avoid quick, jerky movements. Grasp object/patient firmly. (i.e.. Use gait belt, if appropriate) Rotate by moving feet, do not twist back. If working with other staff to complete transfer, go in unison with ‘1,2,3,go…’ If carrying objects, distribute the weight evenly in both arms.

Ergonomics Applies to all staff and refers to desks, carts, counters and sinks, etc. as work spaces. Arrange tasks and work materials directly in front of you to limit reaching and twisting. Repetitive stress injuries occur when the same task is performed over and over to the point of pain and muscle fatigue. Frequent rest breaks allow for a change of position and reduce fatigue and risk of injury.

Proper Sitting Position Sit back with buttocks against the back of the chair. Adjust the chair height to keep feet flat on the floor or on a foot rest. Allow minimal room between desk and tops of thighs. Slide chair under the desk when seated. Keep ears, shoulders and back aligned to prevent neck and back strain. RIGHT WRONG

Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls Watch where you walk Do not allow cabling to create a tripping hazard Keep stacking and storage areas safe Clean up spills quickly Do not block passageways Keep office areas clean Pick up objects that fall

Unsafe Practices Stacking and Storage Filing Cabinets Boxes, files, and other articles must NOT be stacked on top of cabinets, cupboards, or window sills Keep passages clear and fire fighting equipment unobstructed Light objects are stored in top drawers and heavy objects in the bottom – also in filing cabinets Filing Cabinets Close the drawers Do not open all drawers at the same time Use the handle to close the drawer

Office Machines Learn how to operate them safely before you use them If you see smoke or sparks, unplug the machine but only if safe to do so. If not, get help and immediately report it to your supervisor. Place a sign on the machine indicating to others that it is out of order

Electrical Safeguarding Cables - Loose lying cables can cause tripping hazards, electrocution, and damage to expensive equipment Do not overload sockets Turn equipment off before unplugging Patient equipment should be checked for fraying, bare wires, and other defects. Do not operate equipment if defects are found. It is your responsibility to report cable problems to your supervisor to have them fixed

Personal Safety Know exactly where you are going before you leave Always keep car doors locked Carry your keys in your hand You can use them as a method of self-defense Quick access into your car Stay near groups of people Be aware of your surroundings

First Aid Call 911 if someone is seriously injured First Aid kits can be found at your branch for non-life threatening situations.

Accident/Incident Reporting Employees are required to immediately report all work related injuries to their supervisor. State law and TCG/Reach Policy requires that injuries be reported in writing within twenty-four hours. Use the Accident/ Incident form to report all injuries. During orientation employees signed acknowledgment of TCG/Reach Therapy Worker’s Compensation Network. If you did not receive this information, please contact the HR department.