PRACTICE OCCUPATIONAL

SAFETY AND HEALTH

PROCEDURES(OHP)

WORKING IN HEALTH CARE SETTING (E.G. HOSPITAL, NURSING HOME, HOME FOR SENIORS, ETC.) IS HEALTHY AND SAFE PLACE TO WORK.

DO YOU AGREE?

TIPS FOR HEALTH CARE Use personal protective equipment

(PPE) like wearing of gloves, mask, and gown.

Dispose of used PPE safely to reduce the problem of disease.

Follow ways to control hazards like learning the right way to lift heavy objects and discover ways to manage stress.

HAZARDS COMMON IN NURSING HOMES OR DAY CARE

1. Physical hazards - common physical hazards are: heat, noise,

and vibration. Other physical agents: lasers, x-rays, other

forms of radiations used on patients.2. Biological hazard – The patients, residents and clients may be

carrying germs of which they are unaware. Workers may unknowingly be exposed to virsuses(e.g. hepatitis B, bacteria, etc.)

The work environment also introduces biological hazards such as mold.

3. Chemical hazards – Examples of hazardous

chemicals: disinfectants, antiseptics, detergents, cleaners and anesthetic gases.

Even some drugs administered to patients can be harmful to staff.

4. Ergonomic hazards –These include: Poor lighting Improperly adjusted workstations and

chairs Frequent lifting Poor posture Awkward movements, especially if they

are repetitive, Repeating the same movements over

and over Having to use too much force, especially

if you have to do it frequently*these activities cause strains and sprains.

5. Psychological hazards – Any hazard that affects the mental well

being or mental health of the worker and may have physical effects.

Issues or concerns included in psychological hazards:

-fatigue and hours of work-technological changes-stress and critical incidents stress-bullying including cyber bullying/harassment-workplace violence and abuse-working alone

EFFECTS OF HAZARDS IN THE WORKPLACE These includes any substance, material,

process, practice and others that can cause harm or adverse health effect to a person.Workplace

HazardExample of

HazardExample of Harm

CausedThing Knife CutSubstance Benzene LeukemiaMaterial Asbestos Mesothelioma

Source of Energy Electricity Shock, electrocution

Condition Wet floor Slips, fallsProcess Welding Metal fume feverPractice Hard rock mining Silicosis