Workplace Safety Guidelines for Injury Prevention

1. Safety in the Workplace

2. Body Mechanics • The way in which the body moves and maintains balance while making the most efficient use of all its parts.

4. Reasons for Using Good Body Mechanics • Muscles work best when used properly • Correct use of muscles makes lifting, pulling and pushing easier • Correct applications of body mechanics prevents unnecessary fatigue and strain and saves energy • Correct application of body mechanics prevents injury to self and others

5. 8 Basic Rules of Good Body Mechanics 1.Maintain a Broad Base of support • Feet 8-10 inches apart • One foot slightly forward • Balance weight on both feet • Point toes in the direction of movement • Bend from the hips and knees to get close to an object and keep back straight - Do not bend from the waist

6. Use the strongest muscles to do the job. - located in the shoulders, upper arms, hips and thighs • Use the weight of your body to push or pull an object. - push, pull or slide instead of lift • Carry heavy object close to your body. • Avoid twisting your body. Turn your body and feet to change direction • Avoid bending for a long period of time. • If a patient or object is too heavy, get help.

9. Preventing Accidents & Injuries • Use MSDS – Material Safety Data Sheets • Must provide product information • Protection or precautions while handling product • Instructions for the use of the product • Procedures for handling spills, clean-up and disposal of product • Emergency 1st aid for injuries from product

12. Equipment and Solutions • Do not operate or use any equipment until you have been instructed on its use • Read and follow operating instructions • Do not operate any equipment unless your instructor is in the room • Report all damaged or malfunction equipment immediately • Do not use frayed or damaged electrical cords

13. Never use solution in bottles that are not labeled • Read all labels 3 times to be sure you have the correct solution • Do not mix any solutions together unless your instructor tell you • Avoid contact with skin or eyes • Report all broken equipment and clean up any spills

15. Patient /Resident Safety • Do not perform any procedure unless you have been instructed to • Provide privacy for patients/residents – knock, call the persons name before going behind a drawn curtain, draw curtain for privacy before performing a procedure • Always identity your patient. Ask their name, check wrist bands, check chart

16. Always explain the procedure to the patients. Answer questions and get consent • Observe patient safety • Check all patient areas for safety hazards. Report any unsafe conditions. • Before leaving patients – be sure patient is comfortable, bed is in the lowest position, bedrails are up, wheels of the bed are locked, and call bell within their reach.

17. Personal Safety • It is your responsibility to protect yourself from injury • Use correct body mechanics • Wear required uniform and ID • Walk don’t run, walk on the right • Report all injuries and accidents to your supervisor • If you see an unsafe situation, report it • Wash your hands frequently

18. Dry your hands through before using electrical equipment • When carrying/lifting a patient, review procedure with your partner. NO horseplay or practical jokes

20. Fire Safety • For a fire to start it needs three things • Fuel – anything that will burn • Oxygen/air • Heat – sparks, fire, flames

21. Fire Extinguishers • Class A • water • Class B • Carbon dioxide • Class C • Dry chemical • Class ABC • Graphite type chemical • Can be used on all fires

22. Fire Emergency Plan • Move all patients and personnel in immediate danger • Activate alarm • Close all doors and windows • Shut off electrical equipment and oxygen • Do not use the elevators

23. RACE • R • Rescue anyone in immediate danger • A • Activate alarm • C • Confine the fire • E • Extinguish the fire

24. PASS P – pull pin A – aim nozzle at base of fire S – squeeze handle S – sweep base of fire

25. Evacuation Plans • Move horizontally first • All fire doors will automatically close • Move vertically • Move ambulatory patients first, then those that need help • Do not use the floors directly above or below for evacuation