OSHA Safety Video Orientation For Healthcare Workers

Summary

This healthcare safety training video educates workers on crucial safety practices to prevent hazards such as slips, trips, and falls, musculoskeletal injuries, and exposure to hazardous chemicals and blood-borne pathogens. It emphasizes the importance of positive safety attitudes, correct lifting techniques, fire and electrical safety, the use of PPE, and proper handling of medical waste. The program also stresses the significance of good housekeeping and the implementation of an exposure control plan to ensure a safe working environment.

Takeaways

• 😷 Safety Attitudes: Healthcare workers must maintain a positive safety attitude by being alert to potential hazards and following safety rules.
• 🚶‍♂️ Slips, Trips, and Falls: To prevent falls, always be aware of your surroundings, wear appropriate shoes, and take slow, short steps.
• 🏥 Musculoskeletal Disorders: Healthcare workers are at high risk of back injuries; use proper lifting techniques and equipment to minimize strain.
• 🔥 Fire Safety: Prevention is key; keep the workplace clear of combustibles, avoid overloading circuits, and know the location of emergency exits and fire alarms.
• ⚡ Electrical Safety: Always check electrical cords for damage, avoid working around electricity when wet, and use GFCIs where necessary.
• 🧪 Hazardous Chemicals: Understand the risks of chemicals in the workplace, read labels and safety data sheets, and follow proper disposal procedures.
• 🥼 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use PPE appropriately to protect yourself from health and safety hazards and dispose of it properly after use.
• 🩸 Blood-Borne Pathogens: Treat all medical waste and blood as potentially contaminated, follow universal precautions, and get vaccinated for Hepatitis B.
• 💉 Needlesticks: To prevent disease transmission, never recap needles, and place used sharps in puncture-resistant containers immediately.
• 🧹 Good Housekeeping: Keep your work area clean, follow facility cleaning procedures, and replace protective coverings if contaminated.

Q & A

What is the primary role of healthcare workers in a safety program?

Healthcare workers are the most important part of any safety program, as they are responsible for following safety principles and rules to ensure their own and their colleagues' safety.

Why is a positive safety attitude important for healthcare employees?

A positive safety attitude is important because it involves being alert to surroundings, identifying hazards, following safety rules, and taking personal responsibility for safety, which can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

How can healthcare workers reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls?

Healthcare workers can reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls by being aware of their surroundings, wearing appropriate shoes with good traction, and addressing common hazards such as wet floors, loose carpets, and poor lighting.

What are some preventive measures for musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare?

Healthcare workers can prevent musculoskeletal disorders by staying physically fit, maintaining good posture, using lifting aids, and applying proper lifting techniques to avoid strain on their backs.

What is the significance of using the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare?

Using the correct PPE is vital as it acts as a barrier between the worker's body and potential health hazards, such as infectious materials and hazardous chemicals.

How should healthcare workers handle blood-borne pathogens and needlestick injuries?

Workers should treat all blood and other bodily fluids as potentially infectious, follow universal precautions, and place used needles and sharps in puncture-resistant containers to prevent needlestick injuries.

What steps should be taken to ensure fire safety in a healthcare setting?

To ensure fire safety, workers should prevent fires by maintaining a clean workplace, avoiding overloaded circuits, and being cautious around flammable substances. They should also know the locations of emergency exits and how to use fire extinguishers.

Why is it crucial to avoid working with damaged electrical cords or equipment?

Working with damaged electrical cords or equipment can lead to electrical hazards and injuries. It's important to check for damage, use GFCIs when necessary, and report any issues to a supervisor.

What is the role of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in a healthcare facility?

SDS provide crucial information about hazardous substances, including how to handle, dispose of, and respond to emergencies involving these chemicals. They are located in the company's Safety Data Sheet binder.

How should healthcare workers handle medical waste to maintain safety?

Medical waste should be treated as potentially hazardous, separated and labeled at the source, and disposed of in appropriate containers to prevent the spread of infections and contamination.

What is the importance of good housekeeping in healthcare facilities?

Good housekeeping is essential for workplace safety as it involves keeping work areas clean, replacing protective coverings, and disinfecting surfaces to prevent contamination and the spread of diseases.

Outlines

00:00

👩‍⚕️ Healthcare Safety Fundamentals

This paragraph emphasizes the importance of safety in healthcare work environments. It outlines the various safety principles and rules that healthcare workers must adhere to, given the daily exposure to potential hazards. The script introduces a safety program designed to educate workers on common risks and preventive measures. Topics covered include slips, trips, falls, musculoskeletal disorders, back safety, fire safety, electrical safety, hazardous chemicals, personal protective equipment (PPE), blood-borne pathogens, and medical waste handling. The program is not exhaustive but aims to provide a foundational understanding of safety issues. It stresses the significance of a positive safety attitude, which includes being vigilant, identifying hazards, and adhering to safety protocols. Specific advice is given for preventing slips and falls, such as wearing appropriate footwear and being aware of one's surroundings. For back safety, the paragraph advises on proper lifting techniques and the use of assistive devices.

05:00

🧯 Fire and Electrical Safety Measures

Paragraph 2 focuses on fire safety and electrical hazards in healthcare settings. It underscores the importance of fire prevention, suggesting practices like maintaining a clean workplace, avoiding overloading electrical circuits, and handling oxygen and flammable gases with caution. In case of a fire, workers are advised to know emergency exits, operate fire alarms, and use fire extinguishers correctly, following the PASS method. The script also addresses electrical safety, advising workers to check cords for damage, avoid working with electricity in wet conditions, and promptly report any electrical shocks or tingles. It recommends using GFCIs and following manufacturer instructions for electrical equipment use. The paragraph also touches on the handling of hazardous substances, emphasizing the importance of training, reading labels and safety data sheets, and using appropriate PPE.

10:01

🧼 Proper Handling of Chemicals and Waste

This paragraph delves into the proper handling of chemicals and waste in healthcare facilities. It mentions the role of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in providing information about workplace chemicals and the need for employees to be trained on the substances they may encounter. The script advises on the use of PPE and the importance of not contaminating skin during its removal. It also discusses OSHA requirements for exposure control plans to protect employees from blood-borne diseases, including the provision of hepatitis B vaccines. The paragraph highlights universal precautions, such as avoiding eating or drinking in contaminated areas and proper disposal of medical waste. It also addresses the risks of needle sticks and the importance of placing used sharps in puncture-resistant containers.

15:02

🧹 Importance of Good Housekeeping in Healthcare

Paragraph 4 discusses the significance of good housekeeping in maintaining a safe healthcare environment. It outlines the facility's cleaning procedures and schedules for potentially contaminated surfaces. The script provides general housekeeping rules, such as replacing protective coverings and disinfecting non-disposable surfaces. It stresses the responsibility of each worker to keep their work area clean and to follow all safety rules set by the employer. The paragraph concludes by reminding workers of the inherent hazards in healthcare facilities and the importance of taking appropriate action to ensure safety.

Keywords

💡Safety Attitudes

Safety attitudes refer to the mindset and behavior of employees towards safety in the workplace. In the video, it is highlighted as one of the most important aspects of any safety program. A positive safety attitude is evident when workers are vigilant about potential hazards and proactive in eliminating them. This is crucial in healthcare as workers may encounter various hazards daily. For example, the script mentions that employees should be alert to their surroundings and take personal responsibility for safety.

💡Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are common accidents that can lead to injuries in the workplace. The video emphasizes the importance of being aware of one's surroundings to reduce the risk of such incidents. It advises taking short, slow steps and wearing appropriate footwear with good traction to maintain balance. These incidents are directly related to the safety of healthcare workers and are mentioned as a common hazard in the script.

💡Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders result from strain or injury to the muscles and骨骼系统. In healthcare, these are among the highest rates of injury due to tasks like lifting patients. The video underscores the importance of physical fitness, proper posture, and the use of assistive devices to prevent back injuries. This keyword is central to the video's theme of safety in healthcare as it directly addresses a significant risk faced by workers.

💡Safe Lifting Techniques

Safe lifting techniques are methods used to prevent injuries when moving or lifting heavy objects, such as patients. The video provides guidelines like using mechanical aids, keeping the back straight, and lifting with leg muscles. These techniques are integral to the video's message on safety as they offer practical steps to avoid injury, a key concern in healthcare work environments.

💡Fire Safety

Fire safety involves practices to prevent fires and procedures to follow in case of a fire. The video mentions fire prevention tips like keeping the workplace clear of combustibles and knowing the location of emergency exits. Fire safety is a critical aspect of the video's overall safety message, as it addresses another common but often overlooked hazard in various work settings.

💡Electrical Safety

Electrical safety pertains to the measures taken to prevent electrical accidents and injuries. The script advises checking cords for damage, avoiding wet work environments, and using GFCIs. Electrical safety is a key concept in the video as it highlights potential hazards in the healthcare setting and provides practical advice for safe electrical practices.

💡Hazardous Chemicals

Hazardous chemicals are substances that can pose risks to health or the environment. The video mentions the importance of training, reading labels, and understanding safety data sheets when dealing with such chemicals. This keyword is relevant as it addresses the specific safety concerns related to chemical exposure in healthcare settings.

💡Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE refers to equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards. The video mentions various types of PPE like gloves, goggles, and face shields, and stresses their proper use and disposal. PPE is a central concept in the video as it represents a vital line of defense for healthcare workers against infections and other hazards.

💡Blood-borne Pathogens

Blood-borne pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms in blood that can lead to illnesses like HIV or hepatitis B. The video discusses the need for an exposure control plan and precautions like the hepatitis B vaccine. This keyword is crucial as it directly relates to the video's focus on preventing the spread of diseases in healthcare settings.

💡Needlesticks

Needlesticks are accidental punctures from needles, a common risk for healthcare workers. The video advises against bending, recapping, or breaking needles and using puncture-resistant containers for disposal. Needlesticks are a specific hazard highlighted in the video, emphasizing the need for safe handling and disposal of sharps.

💡Good Housekeeping

Good housekeeping refers to maintaining a clean and organized workplace to prevent accidents and hazards. The video mentions cleaning schedules and procedures, emphasizing the responsibility of each worker to keep their area clean. This keyword is integral to the video's overall message on safety, as it underscores the role of cleanliness in preventing contamination and injuries.

Highlights

Healthcare workers are the most important part of any safety program.

This program provides an overview of common safety hazards in healthcare.

Employers provide in-depth training on frequent safety hazards.

Safety attitudes are crucial for a successful safety program.

Positive safety attitudes involve being alert and identifying hazards.

Slips, trips, and falls can be reduced by being aware of surroundings.

Appropriate footwear with good traction is essential for preventing slips.

Musculoskeletal injuries are common in healthcare due to lifting and moving patients.

Using devices like slide boards and hoists can help prevent back injuries.

Fire safety involves prevention and knowing how to respond in case of a fire.

Electrical safety includes checking cords for damage and avoiding wet work environments.

Hazardous chemicals require understanding safety data sheets and using PPE.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is vital to protect against health hazards.

Blood-borne pathogens require an exposure control plan and universal precautions.

Handling medical waste requires following specific guidelines to prevent contamination.

Good housekeeping is essential for maintaining a safe workplace.

Safety begins with each individual and their actions.

Transcripts

[Music]

[Music]

employees in the healthcare field are

subject to many safety principles and

rules for safe work practices

thus health care workers are essentially

the most important part of any safety

program as a health care worker you may

come across unique and possibly fatal

hazards every day this program will show

you how to protect yourself from some of

the most common of these hazards this

program is not a comprehensive training

program for each topic covered its

purpose is to provide an accurate but

brief overview of the various topics

discussed your employer will provide

more in-depth training on those safety

hazards which you might encounter on a

more frequent basis the content of this

training program our safety attitudes

slips trips and falls

musculoskeletal disorders back safety

and safe lifting techniques fire safety

Electrical Safety hazardous chemicals

personal protective equipment also

referred to as PPE

blood-borne pathogens needlesticks

handling medical waste good housekeeping

safety attitudes are one of the most

important aspects of any safety program

a positive safety attitude is evident by

the behavior of an employee when a

worker is on the lookout for potential

hazards and taking steps to eliminate

those hazards is a good indicator of a

positive safety attitude it is important

that all employees keep alert to their

surroundings for possible safety hazards

if you detect or see a potential safety

hazard then you should take immediate

steps to correct the problem or notify

your supervisor or other employee who

can correct the problem employees with

positive safety attitudes generally

display work behaviors and

characteristics such as being alert to

their surroundings and having the

ability to identify hazards and ways to

prevent them being focused on the task

at hand following safety rules and

procedures

taking personal responsibility to ensure

their safety as well as their co-workers

you can reduce your risk of injury from

slips trips and falls if you are aware

of your surroundings you should always

look where you are walking and take

short slow steps to maintain your center

of balance

not paying attention can lead to a fall

be aware of these common hazards wet or

slippery floors loose or torn carpet

cords poor lighting trash or debris

one of the most important steps to

preventing slips trips and Falls is to

wear appropriate comfortable shoes with

good traction and support this will not

only prevent slips but will also help

your back

each day many health care workers place

significant strain on their backs in the

course of their work

rates of musculoskeletal injuries from

over exertion in healthcare occupations

are among the highest of all US

industries the single greatest risk

factor for overexertion injuries in

health care workers is the manual

lifting moving and repositioning of

patients to avoid back injury stay

physically fit and maintain good posture

when lifting or moving a patient utilize

devices such as slide boards slip sheets

slings rollers belts and mechanical or

electric hoist whenever possible

equipment such as adjustable beds shower

chairs raised toilet seats and grab bars

can also help by allowing a patient to

assist the employee during the transfer

or move if you need to raise a patient

up in bed first lower the head of the

bed and ask the patient to raise their

knees and help by pushing if possible

when performing bedside tasks move

alongside the patient's bed instead of

reaching across them

even with the use of such devices and

equipment it is still important to use

proper shifting techniques

remember to plan ahead stand close to

the patient or object being lifted keep

your back straight and bend at the knees

lift the patient or object close to your

body lift with your leg muscles not your

back or arm muscles avoid twisting and

never lift a load higher than your waist

if you need help lifting or moving a

patient or load always ask for it it is

better to get help than to injure your

back

[Music]

the best method of fire safety is fire

prevention

there are some things employees should

and shouldn't do to help prevent

workplace fires these include keep the

workplace free of trash or other

combustible materials never overload

electrical circuits destroy and discard

damaged electrical cords and be cautious

around oxygen or flammable gas cylinders

do not allow sparks or flames in areas

using oxygen or flammable gases

not only should employees take steps to

prevent fires they should also be

prepared in case of a fire know the

location of all emergency exits and fire

alarms learn how and when to operate

fire extinguishers never touch or open

any door without first testing the

amount of heat radiating from it stay

low to the floor to avoid inhaling too

much smoke remember smoke and heat are

just as deadly as flames

your actions may save the lives of those

around you be prepared during a fire

emergency you should remember the forays

activate the fire alarm and or contact

911

exiting the building

attempt to extinguish the fire

assemble in the predetermined location

outside of the building

only attempt to extinguish a fire when

the fire is small and can Payne you are

safe from toxic smoke you have a means

of escape and your instincts tell you it

is okay you

must know how to use an extinguisher

before attempting to extinguish a fire

make sure you are using the correct

extinguisher or it could actually spread

the fire use the pass system pull the

pin by the handle aim the hose of the

extinguisher at the base of the fire

squeeze the trigger and sweep side to

side

[Music]

many workers are unaware of the

potential for electrical hazards present

in their work environment a variety of

possible solutions may be implemented to

reduce or eliminate the risk of injury

associated with electrical work

remember to always check electrical

cords for damage before using do not use

damaged equipment and report it to your

supervisor

never work around electricity when you

or your surroundings are wet it is

advisable to use ground fault circuit

interrupters GFCIs on any cord that has

the potential of getting wet if you

receive a shock or tingle when working

around electrical cord sets tools or

equipment report it immediately to your

supervisor

keep cords away from heat and water

never run cords across walkways under

rugs or through doorways never use

damaged outlets adapters that you plug

extra cords into an outlet or three to

two grounding adapters don't use any

electrical device that blows a fuse

trips a circuit breaker shocks or

appears damaged follow the

manufacturer's instructions when using

electrical equipment when repairing a

machine or tool follow your company's

lockout tagout procedure

health care facilities have many

different types of hazardous substances

including cleaning and sanitizing

chemicals as well as medications your

employer will train you on the specific

types of substances you may come in

contact with an additional information

about these chemicals is located in your

company's Safety Data Sheet binder this

binder contains helpful information

about every chemical in your workplace

such as what happens when substances are

mixed how to dispose of hazardous

substances

what first-aid to give in case of an

emergency

your employer will tell you the location

of the safety data sheets

when dealing with a chemical employee

should take training seriously and pay

attention

read labels and safety data sheets know

where to find the safety data sheets use

appropriate PPE

know correct emergency procedures use

safe work habits

for consumer products such as window

cleaner toilet bowl cleaner and

dishwashing liquid when used in the same

manner and with the same duration and

frequency that a normal household

consumer would use them at home employee

should follow the safety guidelines

printed on the container

personal protective equipment is a vital

barrier between your body and possible

health and safety hazards PPE may

include gowns aprons goggles face

shields mouthpieces

CPR barriers

disposable single-use gloves all

disposable PPE should be properly

discarded immediately after use

any torn or punctured PPE should also be

immediately discarded and replaced it is

important not to contaminate your skin

while removing PPE

when removing gloves pull one glove off

from the outside top and hold in gloved

hand with exposed hand peel second glove

down from top tucking first glove inside

second do not use your bare skin to

touch the outside of either glove

immediately wash your hands after

removing your gloves remember no barrier

is 100 percent effective so always wash

thoroughly between each patient this is

for your health as well as the patients

[Music]

OSHA requires your employer to develop

an exposure control plan to help protect

all employees from exposure to

blood-borne diseases such as HIV and

hepatitis B

employers must offer the hepatitis B

vaccine to all employees who have

occupational exposure to blood-borne

pathogens as a general rule employees

should treat all medical waste and blood

as if it were contaminated and take

appropriate safety precautions this is

commonly referred to as universal

precautions

do not eat drink smoke apply cosmetics

or handle contact lenses in any area

where there is a reasonable likelihood

of contamination do not keep food or

drink and refrigerators or other areas

where blood or other potentially

infectious materials are present

minimize splashing spraying and

spattering when performing procedures

involving blood or other potentially

infectious materials

separate and label all medical waste at

the source use separate containers for

each type of waste

remember red or red orange colored

labels bags or containers with the

biohazard symbol warn you that the

contents are biohazardous materials and

to use caution when handling the

containers

needle sticks are one of the most common

ways diseases are transmitted on the job

do not Bend recap shear or break needles

and other sharps place all sharps in an

appropriate puncture resistant

leak-proof color-coded container

immediately after use

[Music]

blood and other bodily fluids can carry

viruses bacteria drug-resistant

organisms and radioactive waste

therefore it is important that all

medical waste related to patient care be

treated as potentially hazardous all

laundry or waste should be handled with

minimal agitation and disposed of in the

appropriate containers

Good Housekeeping is a very important

part of workplace safety it is your

responsibility to keep your work area

clean

your facility's exposure control plan

lists specific methods and schedules for

cleaning surfaces that may become

contaminated

here are some general housekeeping rules

protective coverings on equipment and

surfaces must be replaced if

contaminated at the end of the work

shift all non disposable surfaces must

be properly disinfected or sterilized in

accordance with your facility's cleaning

procedures

working in a healthcare facility has

many hazards which many employees take

for granted it is important you

understand the hazards and take

appropriate action to keep yourself and

your fellow workers safe never take

shortcuts when doing your job

follow all rules your employer has set

forth and most importantly if you think

doing something seems unsafe then don't

do the job remember safety begins with

you and your fellow workers

you