Unit 4: Infection Control and Safety Precautions Lesson 3: Violations

Lesson 3 – Violations Legal implications Legal Implications A health care facility may be held liable for any injuries or accidents that result from negligence or malpractice. Accidents do sometimes happen, but every member of a health care team must do their best to maintain a safe environment. When an accident happens or safety violation occurs, it must be reported to the supervisor right away

Lesson 3 – Violations Event reports Who, what, where, when Actions taken Statements by people who were harmed, health care workers involved and witnesses Documenting and Reporting Violations When health and safety violations occur in health care facilities, they must be documented and reported. One way to document violations is by filing event reports. Event reports include the following information:    Who was involved in the event    What occurred    When it occurred    Where it occurred    What actions were taken    Statements by any people who were harmed as a result of the event    Statements by any health care workers who were involved in the event    Statements by any witnesses Health care workers must comply with federal and state laws and the regulations of their facility in regard to documenting and reporting health and safety violations. Penalties for violations may occur

Lesson 3 – Violations These phone numbers should be posted in health care facilities Poison Control Center CDC OSHA Contact Information Many times when accidents or incidents happen, it becomes necessary to consult an expert for information. The Poison Control Center, the CDC, and OSHA have telephone hotlines. These phone numbers should be posted in health care facilities. Poison Control Center    American Association of Poison Control Centers: 1-800-222-1222.    Many states have Poison Control Centers that are state-operated or locally-operated. Consult the phonebook or Internet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)    National AIDS Hotline: 1-800-342-2437    National Immunization Hotline: 1-800-232-2522    National STD Hotline: 1-800-227-8922    Traveler's Health: 1-877-394-8747    Other questions: 1-800-311-3435 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)    Workplace safety and health-related questions: 1-800-321-OSHA