Jeremy Ohara

Author
Jeremy Ohara

5 Health and Safety Tips for Healthcare Workers

  Jan 16, 2024
Reviewed by Ravinder Kaur

Key Takeaways

  • Abide by strict infection control protocols, including hand hygiene and PPE, to reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission.
  •  Exercise caution when handling hazardous chemicals, with proper safety measures in place.
  • Ensure proper use and maintenance of medical equipment.
  • Always be prepared for emergencies with training in first aid, life support, and knowledge of emergency response protocols. 

Every nurse was drawn to nursing because of a desire to care, to serve, or to help.

Christina Feist-Heilmeier

Healthcare workers are the backbone of our medical system, carrying out a wide range of chief roles that keep medical facilities running 24/7. Nurses, doctors, technicians, and other personnel work grueling, hectic schedules to provide continuous patient care. Their days are filled with a variety of demanding yet routine responsibilities. 

Nurses administer medications, monitor patient health, operate complex equipment, assist in surgeries, and handle emergencies. Similarly, doctors examine the sick, diagnose conditions, prescribe treatments, and perform medical procedures. On the other hand, technicians conduct tests, analyze results, and operate specialized technology.

The nature of their jobs puts them at unique occupational hazards from their frequent contact. They are more susceptible to exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous materials, and workplace stress, which greatly impacts their fitness over time. 

For instance, frequent interaction with them makes them susceptible to illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and other viruses. They also handle biohazardous waste and are exposed to radiation, chemicals, and pathogens. 

In addition, the mental toll of their emotionally demanding jobs also contributes to burnout and anxiety. Medical organizations should urge their workforce to follow safety protocols and provide them with protective equipment and tools. 

5 Health and Safety Tips for Healthcare Workers

Safety Tips

Adding these sound and security tips to everyday routine will help them decrease their exposure to infectious diseases:

Follow Infection Control Protocols

The biggest risk is exposure to infectious diseases, especially when they are in contact with patients’ bodily fluids or improper hygiene. All wellness facilities should have strict protocols, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), safe injection practices, and proper disinfection of tools and surfaces. 

For example, in endoscopy, an integral part of this disinfection process involves endoscope reprocessing to ensure that these vital diagnostic tools are free from any potential contaminants. They should closely follow these protocols to prevent the transmission of illnesses.

Hand hygiene is also a vital infection control measure for them. Proper hand hygiene prevents the spread of healthcare-associated infections like MRSA, C. difficile, and multidrug-resistant organisms.

Do You Know?

According to 2021 reports, nearly 60% of healthcare workers reported that the pandemic has negatively impacted their mental health. This number highlights the daily risks that they face, so ensuring their safety should be a top priority.

Be Cautious with Hazardous Chemicals 

Handling hazardous chemicals is an inherent part of many medical roles. Sterilizing agents, disinfectants, chemotherapy medications, and anesthetic gasses pose potential risks. Therefore, proper labeling and warnings on all hazardous substances are pertinent. 

Comprehensive training on safe handling procedures, fitness hazards, spill protocols, and using engineering controls like fume hoods is pivotal to ensure worker and environmental safety.

When working with hazardous chemicals, use indicated PPE and wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves. Also, avoid working alone whenever possible. 

Be familiar with the location of emergency eyewash stations and showers, and make sure to have spill kits on hand to contain leaks and spills promptly. Immediately report to a specialist in emergencies like skin irritation or breathing issues. 

Staying up-to-date on safe chemical handling procedures helps minimize risks for them and their patients. A vigilant, cautious approach is vital when working with hazardous substances.

Use Caution with Medical Equipment

Complex medical equipment presents various safety risks to healthcare workers if used improperly. It includes risks of electrical shock, radiation exposure, or mechanical injuries. They should receive thorough training on all medical apparatus they are expected to operate, including important security precautions.

They should check for problems during the setup, report any issues immediately, and fully understand emergency shut-off procedures in case of a problem. In addition, it is vital to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for its testing and maintenance.

Most importantly, visually inspect them before use and confirm proper function—power down devices before servicing. Do not attempt repairs yourself; call the right personnel if issues arise. Monitor electrical cords and plugs for damage. 

Use caution when working around water sources to avoid shock. Follow lock-out tag-out procedures before its maintenance. Wear radiation dosimeters when operating the imaging apparatus. Also, remove any jewelry when working with machinery to prevent entanglement. If you’re unfamiliar with safely operating a device, request additional training.

Use Proper Body Mechanics

Healthcare workers are at high risk for musculoskeletal injuries due to the physical demands of patient handling and transferring, frequent bending and twisting motions, and long hours spent standing or sitting with poor posture. Using proper body mechanics can help reduce strain.

Focusing on physical well-being is necessary, and this requires regular exercise or any other physical activity like yoga. Short breaks from work to stretch and release pressure from the body can also prove beneficial.

Make sure workstations are ergonomically adjusted and alternate tasks throughout the day. Stay hydrated and get adequate rest between shifts.

Organizations should provide training on safe patient handling and make transfer equipment readily available. Reporting early signs of pain or injury is also paramount to prevent the worsening of musculoskeletal problems.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

The medical sector witnesses emergencies on almost a regular basis. But this shouldn’t come at the expense of their workers’ well-being. 

Every healthcare employee needs to be at their best when it comes to following emergency response protocol. It includes first aid support, Basic Life Support (BLS), and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) skills. 

They also need to know where fire safety tools such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets are kept and should be trained to operate emergency evacuation routes where they work to prevent loss of life. However, regular drills can prove incredibly helpful in instilling these precautionary practices and norms.

Conclusion

The health and safety of them should be a top priority, as it enables them to deliver optimal care to patients. Rigorous hand hygiene is fundamental to reducing infection transmission risks. 

Wearing proper protective equipment like masks and gloves is also pertinent for security. Wellness individuals who consistently adhere to these protocols can continue providing uninterrupted, high-quality care while protecting their well-being. 

Investing in healthcare personnel safety promotes a healthy workforce able to care for the community. Medical organizations should actively invest in worker fitness and precautionary initiatives and training programs to reduce workplace injuries and mishaps. 




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