Promotion of Safety

Chapter 10

Intro to HST

Using Body Mechanics – Unit 1

Prevent strain and help maintain muscle strength

Prevent injury to yourself and others

Reasons for Using Body Mechanics

Muscles work best when used correctly

Makes lifting, pulling, and pushing easier

Prevents unnecessary fatigue and strain

Saves energy

Prevents injury to self and others

Eight Basic Rules of Body Mechanics

Maintain a broad base of support

Feet 8 – 10 inches apart

One foot forward

Balance weight

Bend from hips and knees

Back straight

Ø bend at waist

Use strongest muscles Shoulders, upper arms,

hips, thighs

Use the weight of your body Push, pull or slide rather

than lift

Use entire body and lean in direction of movement

Carry heavy objects close to body

Avoid twisting body as you work Turn with feet and entire body

Avoid bending for long periods

Too heavy? Get help Mechanical lift

Gait belt

Preventing Accidents and Injuries – Unit 2

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Department of Labor

Health and safety standards

Occupational Exposure to

Hazardous Chemicals

Bloodborne Pathogens

Hazardous Chemicals Standard

Employers inform employees of chemicals and hazards in workplace

Manufacturers must provide MSDS Product ID information

Protection or precaution guidelines

Instructions for safe use

Procedures for handling spills, cleanup, and disposal

Emergency first aid procedures

Employers must train employees on proper procedures / policies

ID types and locations of hazards

Locate and use MSDS manual

Read and interpret labels and signs

Use PPE’s

Locate cleaning equipment and correct cleaning methods

Report accidents and exposure

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

Protects health care workers from diseases caused by exposure to bodily fluids

Body fluids: Blood, blood components

Urine, stool

Semen, vaginal secretions

Cerebrospinal fluid

Saliva, mucus

Diseases caused by body fluids Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C

AIDS

Ergonomics

Applied science to promote safety and well-being by adapting the environment

Components

Placement of furniture / equipment

Training on required muscle movement

Avoid repetitive movements

Awareness of environment

Prevention of accidents and injury in immediate environment

Responsibilities of health care worker Personal / patient safety

Caution when handling equipment / solutions

Use good judgment

Ask questions PRN

Follow policies / procedures to create safe environment

Health care worker legal responsibility to protect patient

Workplace Safety

Ø operate equipment w/o proper training or w/o instructor in room

Read and follow instructions

Report damaged / malfunctioning equipment

Lock-out systems

Ø use frayed / damaged cords

Third prong

Read MSDS before using chemicals

Read labels x 3

Do not mix chemicals unless instructed to do so

Avoid contact w/ skin and eyes

Use only as directed

Report spills / accidents immediately

Patient / Resident Safety

Ø perform procedures on patients without instruction, permission

Provide privacy for all patients

Identify patient

Explain procedure

Observe patient closely during procedure

Check patient area for hazards

Observe all safety checkpoints before leaving patient in bed

Personal Safety

Use correct body mechanics

Wear required uniform

Walk (do not run)

Report accidents or injury immediately

Report unsafe situations

Keep all areas neat and clean

Wash hands frequently

Dry hands before handling electrical equipment

Wear safety glasses when instructed

Observe all safety precautions

Avoid horseplay

If solutions come in contact with skin or eyes…

If particle gets in eye…

Observing Fire Safety – Unit 3

3 things needed to start a fire

Oxygen

Fuel

Heat

Causes of fires

Smoking and matches

Misuse of electricity

Defects in heating systems

Spontaneous ignition

Improper rubbish disposal

Arson

Classes of fire extinguishers According to type of fire they

extinguish

Class A Water paper, cloth, wood

Class B Carbon dioxide liquids

Class C Dry chemical (potassium

bicarbonate) electrical

Class ABC Graphite all types of fires

In case of fire…

Remain calm, do not panic

RACE R…rescue patients in immediate danger

A…activate alarm

C…contain fire

E…evacuate / extinguish

PASS P…pull pin

A…aim at base of fire

S…squeeze handle

S…sweep from side to side

Preventing Fires

Watch for causes of fires and correct anything that may cause a fire

“No Smoking” signs, oxygen use

Extinguish flammable items completely

Dispose of waste properly

Handle electrical equipment properly

Store flammable liquids in proper containers

Clean up spills immediately

Disaster Preparedness

Types Tornados

Earthquakes

Floods

Bomb / terrorist attacks

In any disaster…stay calm

Follow facility policy

Provide safety for yourself and patients