Medical professionals have a responsibility to provide quality care to their patients. But they also need to take care of themselves. Create a safe and efficient work environment at your medical facility. Read these tips for preventing staff injury in your medical practice.
Protect Against Slips, Trips, and Falls
Injuries from slips, trips, and falls are the most common injuries for medical staff. Common causes for these incidents include obstacles in walking paths and fluid spills. You can protect against falls by keeping all walkways clear of electrical cords and other items. In addition, medical workers should wear comfortable, non-slip footwear for support and balance.
Your facility should practice excellent housekeeping, including using wet floor signs and quickly cleaning up spills. You can also consider installing textured floors to improve traction.
Use Powered Equipment To Prevent Back Injuries
Medical workers who transport patients often risk injuring their backs. A great tip for preventing staff back injuries in your practice is to use electric-powered equipment when possible. This equipment makes the workplace safer and provides greater accessibility for your patients.
A powered exam table improves the efficiency of your practice and prevents injury to both patients and staff. You can raise and lower electric tables as needed, making it easier for patients to get on the table safely and transition to a seated position. It’s also easier for medical workers to help patients get in the right position on a powered exam table.
Handle Sharp Items With Care
Finally, many healthcare workers regularly handle sharp objects. Items like needles, scissors, and scalpels are just a few examples of instruments that can pierce or cut the skin. Sharp objects can also expose workers to biological hazards, chemicals, or drugs.
Make sure medical staff are following best practices when they handle sharps. Workers should use a needle only once, activate the safety after use, and toss it without recapping it. You should empty the sharps container before it gets two-thirds full. And no sharps should be left out in places they can injure people.
You can also reduce sharps in your medical practice. Use tools that minimize the sticking hazard, such as a needle-syringe holder. Substitute dangerous tools with safer options, like replacing a razor with tissue scissors.
