Nursing Assistant Chapter 9: Workplace Safety
PROTECTING YOUR BODY Nursing assistants are twice as likely to be injured on the job than other health care workers Ergonomics The practice of designing equipment and work tasks to conform to the capability of the worker. Adjusting the environment and work related practices to prevent injury Force: the amount of physical effort that is required to perform a task Repetition: the same motion, or series of motions, are performed continually or frequently Awkward postures: assuming a position that places stress on the body, such as, reaching above shoulder height, kneeling, squatting, leaning over a bed, or twisting the torso while lifting
PROTECTING YOUR BODY OSHA recommends that workers should be provided with ergonomics training OSHA recommends that manual lifting of residents in long-term care should be minimalized in all cases and eliminated whenever possible Specific training for your facility and equipment
PROTECTING YOUR BODY The “ABC’s” of Good Body Mechanics The efficient movement and use of the body Alignment Good posture Back held at “neutral” position Connect ear, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle with vertical line Connect nose, sternum, navel, and space between legs evenly in half
PROTECTING YOUR BODY Balance Stability produced by even distribution of weight Hold center of gravity close to base of support You can increase base of support by spreading feet farther apart You can bring center of gravity closer by bending your knees and hips Coordinated body movement Using body weight to help with movement
PROTECTING YOUR BODY Lifting and Back Safety Lifting is a required task for nursing assistants Back injuries are the most common work-related injuries in the nursing field Range from muscle strains and soreness to ruptured vertebral discs Back injuries can be career ending Good body mechanics and technique is required Muscles of arms and legs are connected to long bones Designed to lift and bear weight Muscles of back are flat and “fan-like” Not designed to lift weight Back supports
FOLLOWING PROCEDURES Pre-Procedure Actions Wash Gather Knock Identify Explain Provide Privacy See to Safety
FOLLOWING PROCEDURES Post-procedure actions Confirm Leave See to Safety Open Wash Report and Record
PREVENTING FALLS Be aware of surroundings Only move as fast as you are safely able Cautious of wet floors Clean up spills Place signs in the area Eliminate objects in your path Electrical cords Furniture Keep hallways clear Adequate lighting
PREVENTING FALLS Help patients that are weak, unsteady, or uncooperative Ask for help
PREVENTING CHEMICAL INJURIES Many chemicals used in the health care setting most are harmless, but some can be very dangerous OSHA requires employers to maintain a list of ALL chemicals used in the facility MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) Summarizes key information about the chemical, what to do in case of exposure, and how to clean up a spill Must be renewed every 3 years Must be readily available
PREVENTING ELECTRICAL SHOCKS Many electrical appliances used in health care Always used grounded appliances and power strips Keep eye out for frayed wires, and cut cords Appropriately use extension cords Limit personal electronics Watch for moisture
FIRE SAFETY Out of control fire can have tragic consequences Hundreds of people Many who cannot help themselves Preventing Fires For a fire to occur, three elements must be present: Fuel Heat Oxygen
FIRE SAFETY
Fuel Cloth, such as bed linene, mattresses, and clothing Paper Substances that easily catch fire and burn such as cooking oil, gasoline, nail polish remover, alcohol The building itself
FIRE SAFETY Heat An electrical spark: shorted cord, piece of equipment, lightning Lighted smoking materials: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.. Lighted candles Heating elements: radiators, heaters, furnaces, hotplates Stoves
FIRE SAFETY Oxygen Found in air around us Therapeutic, supplemental oxygen