1. Safety

2. Body Mechanics Body Mechanics:
The way in which the body moves and maintains balance with the most efficient use of all its parts.
Its goal is to decrease injuries of employees.
Teaches proper techniques for lifting, bending, and moving.
Four Reasons to Use:
Muscles work better when used correctly.
Using the correct muscles means easier lifting, pulling and pushing.
Preventing strain and fatigue which saves energy.
Preventing injuries to self and others.

3. Correct Body Mechanics
Eight Basic Rules of Body Mechanics:
Bend from the hips and knees when lifting an object from the floor.
Maintain a broad base of support.
Feet inches apart
One foot slightly forward
Balance weight on both feet
Pointing toes in the direction of movement
Use the strongest muscles to do the job.
Use the weight of your body to push or pull.

4. Correct Body Mechanics con’t
Carry heavy objects close to your body.
Avoid twisting your body.
Avoid bending for long periods of time.
If the patient or object is too heavy… Get help!!
Back supports may be required by some facilities.
Make sure it is the right size and is worn properly.

5. Ergonomics
Ergonomics is an Applied Science used to promote the safety and well being of people by adapting the environment through the use of techniques that help to prevent injuries. Includes: 1. Correct placement of furniture and equipment. 2. Training in required muscle movements. 3. Efforts to avoid repetitive motions. 4. An awareness of the environment to prevent injuries. The prevention of accidents and injury depends on people and their immediate environments.

6. Ergonomics
Ergonomics uses anatomy, physiology and psychology to design and make products.
It supports body mechanics which are taken into consideration when products are designed.
Often it creates products for people with physical limitations.

7. Ergonomics and Healthcare
Every healthcare worker must be conscious of personal and patient safety and is expected to exercise care in handling equipment and solutions.
He or she also must accept the responsibility in using good judgment in any situation, asking questions when unsure, and following policies and procedures to create a safe environment
It is a legal responsibility to protect the patient from harm or injury.

8. PREVENTING ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES

9. Patient/Resident Safety:
Read the policies and procedures.
Follow instructions during procedures and ask questions.
Always have authorization before performing a procedure on a patient.
Make sure you have the correct patient.
Never perform something on a patient that he or she refuses.

10. Patient/Resident Safety:
Observe patient and carefully report any abnormal findings.
Always explain what you are doing to a patient first.
Before leaving a patient ALWAYS check if:
Call light is in reach and is working.
Bed is lowered with appropriate side rails raised.
Phone or other items they may need is in reach.
He or she is comfortable or needs repositioning.

11. Importance of Safety in the Healthcare Setting:
Ensures the well being of both patients and employees.
Protects employees from physical and health hazards in the workplace.
Ensures better health for all involved.

12. Safety in the Healthcare Setting:
Reception Room:
Make sure all equipment or furniture works properly.
Have adequate lighting.
Have WRINKLE FREE CARPETS. (Decorative rugs can be hazardous)

13. Safety in the Healthcare Setting:
Exam Room:
Assist the very ill, young or old people.
Never leave patients alone on an exam table.
Prescription pads are not to be left in patient rooms.
Medical Laboratory:
All chemicals are labeled and stored.
All expiration dates are current.
USE BIOHAZARD BAGS/CONTAINERS to properly dispose of contaminated items (needles, linens, dressings).

14. Safety in the Classroom
Equipment use:
Check all cords, wires and prongs.
DO NOT use until instructed to do so.
Solutions:
Never use if not labeled.
Be aware of danger signs such as safety labels.
Never mix solutions unless an instructor says to.
Wipe up any spills immediately and put out warning signs if large spill to prevent injury (Use gloves if harmful).
Keep obstacles out of the way to prevent falls.

15. Safety Labels

16. Personal Safety Always use correct body mechanics.
Report any injuries or incidents to your supervisor.
Wash hands between patients, procedures, and breaks.
Wear safety equipment when in contact with body fluids.
Never recap needles.

17. PPEs: Personal Protective Equipment
Barriers that are used when an employee comes in contact with body fluids.
Types of PPEs:
Gloves: when any contact with patient is necessary during procedures
Goggles: when there is a risk of splashing or droplets
Gowns: when there is a risk of splashing, droplets, and blood
Masks: for respiratory protection and splashing
Paper Hats/Shoes: when in surgery

18. Emergency Codes
Are used to alert staff /employees of danger that needs a response.
Examples:
Fire
Inclement weather
Tornado
Patient out of Control
Hurricane
Cardiac Arrest
Bomb Threat
Intruder/Kidnapping

19. Examples of Emergency Codes
Sometimes Colors are used:
Code Blue: Cardiac Arrest
Code Red: Fire
Code Yellow: Bomb
Code Pink: Infant/Child abduction
Code Green: Evacuation
Codes are different in each hospital.
It is necessary to learn the codes in your work place.
Disaster plans for each code have been written and are located in a disaster policy manual in your work area.
All employees must know their role in a disaster should one occur.

20. Disaster Plans Inform you: Who to call Where to be
What you should be doing
Who is in charge or who you should answer to
How to handle a patient
How to handle the situation
What to do at end of situation

21. Hazardous Substances
Hazardous/toxic substances are defined as those chemicals present in the work place which are capable of causing harm.
Dusts
Chemical mixtures
Paints, fuels and solvents

22. OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSHA is responsible for making and maintaining safety standards in the work place.
Currently regulates exposure to 400 substances.
All these substances are required to have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
There are 100,000 MSDS out there for different substances.

23. Hazard Communication
OSHA’s focus is to ensure that employees and employers know about work hazards and how to protect themselves, reducing the incidence of injuries.
There are MSDS sheets for each chemical.
MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet
What is in substance?
How it is harmful?
Prevention/Treatment

24. Hazard Determination Written HAZCOM Program: Employee Training:
A written plan must be established in all facilities that have exposure to hazardous materials.
Employee Training:
All employees are to be trained prior to exposure to hazardous materials and about any changes that have been made.

25. Hazard Plans Includes: List of all chemicals
Who is responsible for different aspects of program
Written materials about chemicals readily available
Charge person
Chemical Response
Radiation Response
Clean up/OSHA may need to assist

26. HAZMAT Response
Call for a major spill if too large to clean up and must have outside help to contain and clean.
Be aware of National Response Center.