Practicing Safety

at WORK

Louis Stokes Cleveland, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

JCAHO Environment of Care Series

Fiscal Year 2009

ObjectivesSmoking RestrictionsPersonal Protective EquipmentElectricityPreventing Back InjuriesErgonomicsSlips, Trips and FallsMRI SafetyReporting Injuries at Work

Smoking Restrictions

Smoking is prohibited within hospital, nursing home, domiciliary, office, shop, plant, or other buildings at Brecksville, Wade Park, and CBOCs of the Cleveland VA Medical Center.

Employees are responsible for reminding patients, visitors, and other employees who are seen smoking in restricted areas that this is in violation of Medical Center Policy 000-012.

Smoking is prohibited in any government vehicle.

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VA

Personal Protective Equipment

• Required when engineering or administrative controls are inadequate.

• Must be properly selected and worn.

• Training is required.

• Pre-Job analysis– Hazard Assessment

Inspect cord and connections regularly.Third prong (ground) must be in place.Be aware of trouble signs with appliances such as frayed electrical cords, etc.Do not bring in extension cords from home. They are not approved for use in the VA.

Working with Electricity

Your back – Protect it at all times

Back injuries are considered by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) as the nation's #1 workplace safety problem. Back injuries are often:

•Very painful;

•A long term or lifetime disability; and

•Expensive to diagnose and treat.

Back Injuries

Common Causes of Back Injuriesh

Back Injuries

Twisting at the waist while lifting or holding a heavy load

Heavy lifting

Working in awkward, uncomfortable positions

Common Causes of Back Injuries

Reaching and lifting

Lifting or carrying objects with awkward or odd shapes

100 lbs.

10 lbs.

Lever effect -- can magnify weight by factor of up to 10. Keeping the load close to the body reduces the pressure exerted on your back.

Preventing Back Injuries

Preventing Back Injuries

Lifting Safely

The KEY to lifting safely is keeping your back slightly arched. NEVER USE YOUR BACK TO LIFT!

Start the lift by putting your feet close to the object. Get a firm footing.

Center your body over your feet.

Squat down like a professional weightlifter, bending your knees. Keep your back slightly arched. You want your legs to do the lifting, not your back.

Grasp the load securely with your hands, and pull the load close to you.

Smoothly lift straight up. NEVER TWIST YOUR BODY WHILE LIFTING, KEEPING YOUR HEAD UP, AS IF LOOKING STRAIGHT AHEAD, NOT DOWN.

Keep your back straight or slightly arched.

Walk slowly and surely.

Use your feet to change directions. Never twist your back.

Avoid leaning over.

Avoid lifting a load over your head.

If you become tired, set the load down, and rest for a few moments.

Carrying the Load

As you carry the load:

Preventing Back Injuries

EXERCISE FOR LOW BACK PAIN

• Keeps Body Flexible

• Helps Prevent Injury

• Do Not Overdo-- Follow Doctor’s Instruction Carefully

Preventing Back Injuries

Muscular fatigue is characterized by—

• Pain.

• Stiffness.

• Physical discomfort.

Computer workers experiencing one or a combination of these problems typically lose proficiency and productivity, and could eventually have work-related musculoskeletal disorders particularly as a result of muscular fatigue.

Health Problems Associated With Computer Use

Preventing Computer Related Injuries

• Adjust Chair to Fit the User

• Adjust Height and Position of Keyboard

• Adjust Tilt and Curvature of Keyboard to Match Natural Hand Position

• Adjust Desk or Table to Fit Employee

• Use Footrest for Dangling Feet

ERGONOMIC AIDSIf you are experiencing discomfort at your workstation, try making adjustments.

Neck strain can result from looking up at a monitor that is placed too high.

Preventing Computer Related Injuries

Position your monitor at or just below eye level.

Preventing Computer Related Injuries

Flexing and stretching exercises can help prevent computer-related injuries.

Wrist Flex and Extension (for forearms and hands)While sitting or standing...

Extend both arms in front of you, with palms facing down. Slowly bend (extend) both wrists so fingers point to the ceiling as if they are in a hand-stand position. Hold for a count of 5.Next, bend (flex) both wrists so fingers point to the floor and hold for five seconds.

Relax and repeat.

Preventing Computer Related Injuries

Push rather than pull carts.

Keep your back straight at all times.

Face the direction of travel when possible.

Wear shoes with anti-skid soles. Soft rubber soles help prevent slips.

Close file and desk drawers all the way.

Hold the hand railing on stairways.

As much as possible, keep one hand free for support or to stop a fall.

Watch out for wet floors.

Report loose or worn flooring or torn carpeting.

Use designated walkways--avoid walking across grassy areas.

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

Preventing InjuriesThe MRI uses a powerful magnet.

Patients can be seriously injured or killedBy items being drawn into the magnet

DANGER! Powerful Magnetic Field

BewareofOg

Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC FY2003 Lost Time Accidents

Falls Lifting Struck by Assaults

40

2214 12

Accident Reporting

Immediate reporting of accidents will result in the elimination of the cause and may save someone else from being injured.

First thing, report on-the-job injuries to your supervisor.

Have your injury evaluated by the Personnel Health clinician.

Complete a CA-1 using ASISTS as soon as possible after being injured.

If off duty due to an injury, keep your supervisor informed of your medical status. Inform your physician that light duty work is available.

If your injury causes you to miss the next workday or more, or if you have medical expenses, you must file a CA-1 to have your medical expenses paid and to avoid being charged sick or annual leave.

What to do if You are Injured at Work