Staying Safe at Work

Healthcare workers face a wide range of safety hazards on the job, including:

• Biological Hazards (Bodily fluids with infectious agents),
• Chemical Hazards (Cleaning supplies, latex allergies),
• Physical Hazards (Falls and back injuries),
• Psychosocial Hazards (Violence and sexual harassment), and
• Environmental Emergencies (Fires and natural disasters).

HOW CAN YOU STAY SAFE?

Protect yourself from Biological Hazards:  

• Use Standard Precautions with all of your clients, no matter what their diagnosis—even if they don’t seem sick!  
• Assume all blood, body fluids, secretions, open wounds, and mucous membranes contain a horrible germ that you can “catch”.

Protect yourself from Chemical Hazards:  

• Read and follow the MSDS and the warning labels on any chemicals that you use.
• Remember that it’s your job to ask questions if you have concerns about chemical hazards in your workplace.  It’s your supervisor’s job to answer any questions you may have.

Protect yourself from Physical Hazards:  

• Wear rubber soled shoes while you are working.  They provide the best traction.
• Ask for help with heavy loads.
• Lift with your legs . . . not your back.
• Avoid twisting at the waist during a client transfer.

Protect yourself from Psychosocial Hazards:

• If you feel you are being harassed, speak up!  Let the person know you are offended by his or her actions.
• If the behavior doesn’t stop, let your supervisor (or another person in management) know right away.

Protect yourself from Environmental Emergencies:

• Know the location of fire alarms and extinguishers.  
• Make sure you can use them—even in the dark.