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

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

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

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

25. 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

26. 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

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

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

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

33. 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
Map
Information is accurate 20
TOTAL POINTS _________________

34. 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