Occupational hazards among medical workers can have a big impact on mission readiness.
The top four hazards medical workers face are slips, trips and falls, needle sticks; repetitive motion injuries; and lifting and handling injuries, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
The rate of lost-workday injuries resulting from slips, trips, and falls in hospitals is 90% greater than the average rate for all other private industries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Slips, trips, and falls are the second-leading cause of lost-workday injuries in hospitals after overexertion.
Slips, trips, and falls are mostly due to fluid spillage and items left in walking paths (especially electrical cords), said Steve Sinatra, the lead safety manager at the Defense Health Agency's Occupational Safety Branch.
Tips to avoid these injuries include:
- Keep hallways clear.
- Alert maintenance to slippery floors due to spills.
- Pick up dropped packages or bundles.
- Wear appropriate non-slip, non-skid footwear, especially in wet areas.
- Learn how to use ladders and stepstools appropriately for reaching higher items. Never use or stand on a chair with wheels.
Additionally, military medical treatment facilities should ensure the maintenance of exterior walkways, parking lots, and other areas where people may be walking.
Needle Sticks
Needle stick prevention is a priority as medical workers often deal with blood. Blood can carry pathogens. Needles or other sharp objects such as burs and scissors also may expose health care workers to biological hazards, chemicals or drug exposures, and radioactive materials.
Air Force Capt. Lara Poole further explained: "There are many threats that our health care workers face when it comes to providing excellent patient care. One of these threats is needle stick and other sharps injuries," said Poole, who is the public health flight commander, 316th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics & Surgery Center at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
Needle sticks and injuries from other sharp objects "can potentially expose health care workers to pathogens such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (the virus that causes AIDS). These pathogens can pose life-threatening health issues or even a lethal risk to health care workers if left untreated," Poole said.
To prevent sharps and needle stick injuries, keep these tips in mind:
- Wear goggles, a face shield and double gloves when suturing or administering a needle.
- Use a needle only one time. Do not recap it. Activate the safety immediately after use.
- Opt for safe sharps, such as retractable needles, blunt suture needles, safety scalpels, or needleless blood transfer equipment, if available.
- Empty the sharps container before it is full.
- Do not leave sharps out where they may injure others.
- Use mechanical devices to pass sharps. Never pass them by hand.
- Communicate with your colleagues and use verbal alerts when passing sharps.
- Keep exposed sharps in view at all times and be aware of anyone around you.
- Participate in blood-borne pathogen training.