Promotion of Personal Safety: Chapter 11 Using Body Mechanics Reasons for using Proper 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 Bend from hips and knees Use strongest muscles Use the weight of your body Carry heavy objects close to body Avoid twisting body as you work Avoid bending for long periods
Too heavy? Get help Preventing Accidents and Injuries Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Department of Labor Health and safety standards Occupational Exposure to: Hazardous Chemicals Standard Employers inform employees of chemicals and hazards in workplace Manufacturers must provide MSDS Product ID information Protection or precaution guidelines Employers must train employees on proper procedures / policies ID types and locations of hazards Read and interpret labels and signs Locate cleaning equipment and correct cleaning methods Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
Ergonomics Body fluids: Blood, blood components Urine, stool Semen, vaginal secretions Cerebrospinal fluid Saliva, mucus Diseases caused by body fluids Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C AIDS Applied science to promote safety and well-being by adapting the environment Components Training on required muscle movement Awareness of environment Prevention of accidents and injury in immediate environment Responsibilities of health care worker Caution when handling equipment / solutions Ask questions PRN 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 Do not mix chemicals unless instructed to do so Avoid contact w/ skin and eyes Report spills / accidents immediately Patient / Resident Safety Provide privacy for all patients Identify patient Observe patient closely during procedure Personal Safety Observe all safety checkpoints before leaving patient in bed Wear required uniform Walk (do not run) Report accidents or injury immediately Keep all areas neat and clean Dry hands before handling electrical equipment Wear safety glasses when instructed
Observe all safety precautions If solutions come in contact with skin or eyes If particle gets in eye Observing Fire Safety 3 things needed to start a fire Causes of fires Smoking and matches Defects in heating systems Spontaneous ignition Arson Classes of fire extinguishers Class A Class B Class C According to type of fire they extinguish Class ABC In case of fire Remain calm, do not panic
RACE R A. C E PASS P A S S 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