SAFETY AND SECURITY Topics: Safety in the workplace Common injuries Reducing risk Proper body mechanics Patient/client safety Equipment safety

Activities that can increase risk to HCW’s? Lifting/moving patients Sitting for long periods Working with sharps Exposure to chemicals Working with electrical equipment Working 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

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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 injuries Toxic exposure Electrical shock Biohazard 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 lift Avoid twisting Bend at hips and knees Hold objects close Use stronger muscles Which 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 help Check orders first Lock breaks on beds and chairs Dangle 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 committees Who 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 OSHA MSDS Guidelines for handling hazardous waste Read labels Follow instructions for..

MSDS Proper use Storage Disposal Accidental spills PPE… what is it?

How to Dress Appropriate clothes. Long hair needs to be tied back No hoop earrings No heels

Safety for you and Coworkers Never walk with exposed sharps Clean up spills Don’t store food and lab specimens together Almost all injuries occur from poor practices repeated over time

Ergonomics Sitting with back straight and both feet on the floor Wrists straight when typing

Patient Safety Check 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

RACE REMOVE PERSONEL FROM IMMEDIATE AREA ACTIVATE THE ALRM SYSTEM. ALL FIRES CONTAIN/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 A Class B Class C Class ABC PASS

Safety with oxygen Dangerous?? Precautions:

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