Sure…you thought working in the construction industry was one of the most hazardous jobs, but hospitals also have serious hazards such as lifting and moving patients, needlesticks, slips, trips and falls. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the likelihood of injury or illness resulting from days away from work is higher in hospitals than in construction and manufacturing. Days away from work affect not only the individual worker, but co-workers, patients and patient care, and the organization as a whole. Actually, statistics reveal that hospitals experience injuries at about three times the rate of professional and business services. In examining the medical industry, results indicate hospitals have reduced injuries over time, however, not as effectively as other industries such as construction and manufacturing.
Understanding hospitals unique occupational safety and health challenges is a great way to start the improvement process. This includes effective policies, best practices, procedures and training but also encompasses effective implementation and organizational wide commitment to protect workers and reduce injuries and illnesses. So where is a good place to start you ask…? Click here to download OSHA’s Self-Assessment for hospital administrators, safety, risk and human resource managers.
Once the assessment is complete it’s time to detail the steps to improve workplace safety and reduce injuries and illnesses. Next, your safety and health or risk manager should create a checklist of all areas that need attention. It must be comprehensive and involve managers, supervisors and the workers who actually do the job. Did you know…? OSHA considers safety and health training vital to every workplace. To effectively reduce hazards employees should also have access to visual aids to reinforce training received. Compliance Poster Company has an entire line of training products for the medical and healthcare industry. One of the most popular poster products is the Slips, Trips and Falls poster. Give us a call at 800-817-7678 today for a full personalized compliance audit.