Essential Steps for Preventing Workplace Injuries

The Hazards of Health Care

The health care industry has one of the highest rates of non-fatal work-related injuries of any sector. Here are several examples of hazards.

1. Overexertion and Slips, Trips, and Falls
   Health care facilities present a variety of hazards that have the potential to put staff safety at risk. For example, employees can injure their back, hips, and knees during improper lifting of equipment, heavy items, and of course patients during care delivery. Slips, trips, and falls are also common workplace injuries experienced by health care professionals due to slick workplace conditions.
2. Medical Waste Handling
   Another key area of risk is the handling and disposal of medical waste. Employees can be exposed to biohazardous waste, and drugs and chemicals that are hazardous. This can lead to serious health issues if proper precautions such as personal protective equipment (PPE) are not present. Sharps-related injuries are also a serious concern as exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria, can have far-reaching consequences if a staff member is infected.
3. Workplace Violence
   The threat of workplace violence is another concern that cannot be overlooked. There is potential for patients, family members, or employees to become verbally or physically aggressive due to a variety of reasons and such situations can be dangerous situations if specific protocols are not in place.

Ways to Mitigate the Risks of Heath Care Hazards

How can health care facilities create a safer environment and limit workplace injuries? The key is to put clear mitigation strategies in place that substantially reduce or eliminate risk. The following are four strategies to consider.

Conduct a Workplace Analysis

This involves a walkthrough of your facility with an eye toward potentially hazardous areas or risky behaviours. For instance, perhaps there are slick spots that could lead to slips or falls, or maybe staff are trying to lift patients on their own, using incorrect protocols. It could be that sharps disposal containers are located too far away from patient care areas or that hazardous chemicals aren’t appropriately labelled and stored. By periodically surveying the facility and identifying possible issues, you can more clearly see what needs to be addressed at your organization to preserve staff safety.  

Develop Comprehensive Safety Plans

These detailed documents cover how an organization is going to ensure the safety of the environment and reduce the risk of injury. An especially important safety plan related to bloodborne pathogens exposure is the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan. The Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reviews, publishes, and updates guidelines to protect staff from exposure to all infection causing agents in healthcare settings. The current guideline is titled "Routine Practices and Additional Precautions for Preventing the Transmission of Infection in Healthcare Settings".

Offer Robust Training

It is important to train staff on the different risks present in a health care facility and how they can help prevent injuries. Topics to cover within new staff orientation, as well as regular refresher training could include how to correctly lift heavy items, how to prevent needlesticks, how to handle and dispose of hazardous materials, and so on. Both online training and in-person experiences are valuable and offer different avenues for staff to receive the training they need.

Employ Engineering Controls

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety refers to engineering controls as “methods that will remove the hazard at the source, before it comes in contact with the worker.” This can be accomplished through specially designed equipment that curbs the likelihood of injury. Some examples include hazardous drug waste containers that prevent access after disposal, sharps container design that limits potential needlestick injuries and equipment to mitigate improper use.

A Multifaceted Approach is Key

Worker safety is essential not just because it’s the right thing to do but to also maintain compliance with Occupational Health and Safety compliance. Organizations that focus on identifying potential hazards and implement protocols to eliminate them can support a safer and more healthful environment. Learn how Stericycle can help your organization ensure compliance and reduce the risk of workplace injury.