QA Corner- June is National Safety Month

Ways to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses

1. Prevent workplace injuries by having good lifting posture.
2. Before lifting
   • Be aware of the object’s weight
   • Make sure the work environment is flat, dry, and debris-free
   • Check that the lift direction is straight
   • Take care of any tripping risks or debris
   • Look for any muddy or slippery areas
   • Make multiple trips, don’t try to do it all at one time
3. During lifting
   • Never twist your torso while lifting
   • Stay “nose between your toes”
   • Never lift a heavy item above shoulder level
   • Never carry a load that obstructs your vision
   • Never hold your breath while lifting, moving, and setting the load down
   • Keep the load close to your waist for as long as possible
   • Adopt a stable position
   • Don’t flex your back any further while lifting
   • Avoid twisting your back or leaning sideways especially while your back is bent
   • Keep your head up when handling
   • Get a good handhold and do not twist while lifting

2. Always follow standard precautions.
   • Standard precautions apply to the care of all people and are applied when there is a risk of exposure to (1) blood; (2) bodily fluids/secretions/excretions; (3) non-intact skin, and (4) mucous membranes.
   • Standard precautions include:
     1. Hand hygiene: wash hands frequently for at least 40-60 seconds.
     2. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) to serve as a barrier to protect skin, mucous membrane, airway, and clothing. This includes gloves, masks and gowns.
     3. Follow respiratory hygiene/ cough etiquette.
     4. Properly handle, clean and disinfect care equipment.
     5. Routinely clean and disinfect the environment.
     6. Follow safe injection practices.

3. Prevent slips, trips, and falls.
   • Falls can happen anywhere. Whether it’s working at heights or tripping on the same level, you always need to keep your eyes out for hazards.
     • Keep walkways and staircases clear.
     • Practice good cord management! Secure cords and when needed, tape down power cords and cables to prevent tripping.
     • Clean up spills and messes promptly.
     • Ensure there is proper lighting.
     • Keep floors clean and dry.

4. Be prepared for an emergency.
   • The 1^st week of June is national CPR & AED awareness week. Delivering first aid quickly and effectively can be lifesaving as every second counts when someone has lost consciousness. CPR/FA training must be renewed every 2 years, to find a class near you- American Heart Association CPR and First Aid
   • Have basic supplies: water, flashlight, first aid kit, extra batteries, radio, etc.
   • Be prepared for natural disasters, listen to EAS, NOAA weather radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.