General Safety in Healthcare

Safety of caregivers and those that they care for is top priority within the healthcare industry. Healthcare providers must comply with state and federal legislation regarding safety. Since healthcare is provided in a variety of settings, safety considerations vary within the industry.

OSHA Laws

• Section 5(a) (1) of the federal OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) Act requires that work environments be "free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm." The Joint Commission works on setting standards that improve patient safety.

Communicable Diseases

• Education about illness and infection control is essential. Caregivers and patients alike must employ hand washing and proper use of personal protective equipment.

Stress

• Health care professionals and patients are subjected to high levels of stress so support is needed to prevent exhaustion and accidents. Adequate security measures must be in place for healthcare workers who often provide care to people in crisis who may pose a danger to staff and patients.

Physical Demands

• Healthcare workers are subject to back injuries from moving heavy patients and equipment; repetitive motion injuries; eyestrain; and fatigue from standing for long periods of time. Facilities where these workers are employed must have measures in place to prevent these common ailments.

Exposure

• Anesthesia gasses, medications, blood and body fluids, and radiation all present hazards. Healthcare facilities employ safety measures to limit exposure and provide a rapid response if intervention is needed.

Patient Safety

• Each year, The Joint Commission develops National Patient Safety Goals to improve patient safety. The 2010 National Patient Safety Goals focus on proper patient identification, improved communication, safe medication administration, prevention of infection and identification of patients that try to harm themselves.