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Injuries in the Workplace

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INJURIES IN THE WORKPLACE 1

Injuries in the Workplace

INJURIES IN THE WORKPLACE 2 Abstract People frequently encounter situations in their environment in which it is impossible to prevent injuries in the workplace. However, there is a saying in the military “you need to get to the left of the boom.” That means that you prepare for the worst and do everything you can to minimize the risk and train everyone to react when the worst happens. Accidents are often preventable through training and by adjusting the environment. Introduction Healthcare workers face a number of serious safety and health hazards. They include blood borne pathogens and biological hazards, potential chemical and drug exposures, waste, ergonomic hazards from lifting and repetitive tasks, laser hazards, and workplace violence. The hazards associated with laboratories and radioactive material and x-ray hazards. There is a risk of exposure to chemicals used in cleaning, medical processes etc. (1) More workers are injured in the healthcare and social assistance industry sector than any other. In 2010, the healthcare and social assistance industry reported more injury and illness cases than any other private industry sector -- 653,900 cases.(2)
Materials and Procedure
Procedure
How do you minimize the risks at the workplace, I divided them into three categories. The first category is musculoskeletal injuries from improper lifting techniques, STF etc. The second would be from exposure to chemicals, drugs, pathogens and radiation/magnetic hazards

INJURIES IN THE WORKPLACE 3
1- https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthcarefacilities/index.html (para 2)
2 - https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthcarefacilities/index.html (para 3) and the third is workplace violence. There are several methods to reduce the risks of injury. Proper training on lifting techniques, spill cleanup and warning signs, employee wellness programs that increase strength, visual aids, non-slip flooring in hallways and stairwells are just a few ways to decrease risk.
Results
All of the methods are proven methods to reduce injuries in any workplace. In 2007, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the incidence rate of lost workday injuries from slips, trips and falls (STFs) on the same level in hospitals was 35.2 per 10,000 full-time equivalents (FTE), which was 75% greater than the average rate for all other private industries combined (20.2 per 10,000 FTEs).(3)
Discussion
For this discussion, we will have to focus on only the risk of musculoskeletal injuries from STF. That is the most common cause of lost time injuries, workers compensation and most likely the source of the most lawsuits from employees and patients. Medical mal-practice is high profile but work place injuries happen every day. The statistics are clear; the work is rewarding but dangerous, so how does the industry, the organization and the individual reduce the risk factors and reduce the costs associated with injuries. What else can be done to reduce the risk?
Results
The comprehensive prevention program included analysis of injury records to identify common causes of STFs, on-site hazard assessments, changes to housekeeping procedures and products, introduction of STF preventive products and procedures,
INJURIES IN THE WORKPLACE 4
3 - http://www2a.cdc.gov/nioshtic-2/BuildQyr.asp?s1=20034734&PageNo=1&RecNo=1&View=f& general awareness campaigns, programs for external ice and snow removal, flooring changes and slip-resistant footwear for certain employee subgroups. The hospitals' total STF workers' compensation claims rate declined by 58% from the pre-intervention (1996-1999) rate of 1.66 claims per 100 FTE to the post-intervention (2003-2005) time period rate of 0.76 claims per 100 FTE (adjusted rate ratio = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.33-0.54). (3) Discussion We covered the three main categories of workplace injury. The evidence is clear that we are all people and often when you are the employer, you have to factor in Murphy’s Law and prepare an environment that minimizes an employee’s chance of injuries on the job. References
1- https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthcarefacilities/index.html (para 2)
2 - https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthcarefacilities/index.html (para 3)
3 - http://www2a.cdc.gov/nioshtic-2/BuildQyr.asp?s1=20034734&PageNo=1&RecNo=1&View=f&

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