Archive for: February, 2009
OSHA expects extra steps when documenting hepatitis B vaccinations
As more new employees come into your organization already vaccinated against the hepatitis B virus (HBV), that may mean less administering of shots but more efforts to document your employees’ immune status.
A new day dawns for OSHA enforcement under Obama’s budget
President Obama will seek to end eight years of lethargic OSHA enforcement and standards promulgation, under the Bush administration, reports the Kansas City Star, February 26.
Though details will not be available until April, increased funding will enable OSHA to “vigorously enforce workplace safety laws and whistleblower protections, and ensure the safety and health of American workers,” according to the 134-page plan for 2010 budget released last week.
Managing PPE
We’ve written about personal protective equipment (PPE) on this blog a number of times before including footwear, lab coats (here and here), and the latest OSHA updates.
But PPE in the healthcare setting is arguably one of the most important factors for worker safety, and misusing it can result in injury or illness. Here are additional points to remember when administering PPE training.
Flu vaccine advancements and a flu season update
Infection preventionists, emergency management officials, and nearly every other health organization across the globe has expressed a concern about how to handle a pandemic flu. Many experts believe it’s only a matter of time before another pandemic occurs.
More on hand sanitizer safety
Our recent post about alcohol-based hand sanitizer generated quite a bit of interest, and also raised a few questions about patients that try to (and even succeed in) orally consuming hand sanitizers from dispensers in patient rooms.
That being said, you might be interested in a recent post on Mac’s Safety Space, which addresses this issue. The post also links to CMS requirements for healthcare facilities to guard against patients consuming hand sanitizer.
And if you haven’t already, check out that Hand Hygiene Data Collection Worksheet in the Tools section.
“One and Only” posters instruct on safe injection practices
Concern about patient-to-patient transmission of hepatitis and HIV in non-hospital settings has prompted the “One and Only Campaign,” a coalition of the CDC, patient advocacy groups, healthcare professional organizations, and industry partners to promote safe injection practices.
Weekly Poll: OSHA inspections
It’s a pretty simple question, but a legit concern for some places. Do you think your facility would get tagged during an OSHA inspection?
Note: Adobe Flash Player is required to view this poll. To download the latest version, click here.
Consider safety compliance during construction
According to a statistic from an American Society for Healthcare Engineering survey, 70% of healthcare facilities undergo some type of construction project everyday. So, it was not surprising to have read last week about hospital renovations cited in a lawsuit where three pediatric cancer patients died.
Given that much construction, even during tough economic times, I’ m surprised there are not more lawsuits. As an aside, an upcoming HCPro audioconference, Infection Control During Construction and Renovation, offers advice and guidance for hospitals preparing for even the smallest renovations. Listen to the audio link below for a free preview.
Video stresses the importance of flu shots for healthcare personnel
Even though it is best to get your flu shot in the fall, receiving the vaccination in the winter months still affords protection for you, your family, patients, and co-workers, according to the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) video.
Transporting specimens
It’s very common for practices to ship blood samples and specimens to full service laboratories for off-site testing. In many cases a satellite practice will want to utilize the full service lab across town, which sounds easy enough, but definitely includes some safe shipping considerations.
Ask the Expert—Timing for hepatitis B vaccination and titer
Q: Can you give me the schedule on when the three hepatitis B vaccination shots are given and when you have the titer drawn?
Who shoulders the blame for infections?
In infection control (IC) we often stress to frontline staff, “we don’t prevent infection, but help you prevent infections.”
Yet when outbreaks occur it is the Infection Preventionist (IP) that feels the heat from administration or regulatory agencies looking for answers.
