Darryl saw the low CO2 level alarm on the microbiology incubator and went to change the tank in the nearby storage room. The valve cover seemed stuck on the replacement tank and Darryl was unable to remove it with his hands. He found a hammer and began to hit the valve cover to loosen it. The...
Ergonomics is a safety topic that gets little respect in the laboratory, but it can become very important over time. The effects of poor ergonomics are cumulative, and they can appear suddenly. When they arise, the pain and treatment are often difficult, and as people age, healing is slower as...
As CMS begins focusing more on emergency preparedness planning, review your hospital’s plans to ensure they include how the facility will handle a patient surge during civic unrest. Preparation for civic unrest unfortunately must be a part of any medical facility’s emergency planning, say...
Ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) encounter distinct OSHA compliance challenges compared to other healthcare facilities, says Troy Lair, PhD, principal consultant of Elite Accreditation Consultants. Limited resources, dynamic environments, and the use of specialized equipment demand tailored...
Hospitals seeking to develop a workplace violence prevention program must do so with a multidisciplinary team in order for the program to be comprehensive and effective. This team should be led by the designated leader and encompass members from various key departments in the hospital, including...
Workplace violence in healthcare remains a serious matter. About 73% of all nonfatal workplace violence-related injuries involved healthcare workers in 2018, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The lab manager reported to me that an employee had a body fluid splash to the mouth, and the manager and the employee both wanted to know if it should be reported. At this point, the story breaks down into two pathways of discussion, one about lab exposures and one about the safety culture....
Obviously, the best time to apply CPTED principles is during the design phase of new construction, says Daniel Loo, CPP, PSS, regional practice leader of security for Telgian. However, CPTED principles can readily be applied to an existing environment.
Obviously, the best time to apply CPTED principles is during the design phase of new construction, says Daniel Loo, CPP, PSS, regional practice leader of security for Telgian. However, CPTED principles can readily be applied to an existing environment.
The laboratory is a source for several potential waste streams and in the eyes of regulatory agencies, managing those streams is the responsibility of the department. Consider regular (non-hazardous) waste, regulated medical waste (RMW), hazardous chemical waste, and radioactive waste; all need...