Using Shakespeare for bloodborne pathogens training
And with them words of so sweet breath compos’d
As made the things more rich.
Hamlet [III, 1]
No one would confuse the compliance-speak of OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens with the purple passages of Shakespeare. Right?
Both the standard and the Bard address heavy and heady stuff, but wouldn’t it be a shame if we failed to heed the OSHA standard because the language is so boring.
OSHA says the employer may adapt the elements required in the annual training to the language and educational level of worker.
In case you have Shakespeare buffs who need to know something about bloodborne pathogens—don’t laugh there are a few of us—or you just want to spice up your safety presentations, here’s what Will has to say on 14 training elements required of standard.
1. An explanation of the bloodborne pathogens standard and where to find a copy of it in the workplace, (g)(2)(vii)(A).
...let us meet,
And question this most bloody piece of work,
To know it further.
Macbeth [II, 3]
2. An explanation of bloodborne disease and its symptoms, (g)(2)(vii)(B).
…Thou art a boil,
A plague sore, an embossed carbuncle
In my corrupted blood.
King Lear [II, 4]
3. Discuss the major modes of transmission, (g)(2)(vii)(C).
If you prick us, do we not bleed?
Merchant of Venice [III, 1]
4. An explanation of the written exposure control plan and that employees may obtain a copy of it, (g)(2)(vii)(D).
And now I will unclasp a secret book,
And to your quick-conceiving discontents
I’ll read you matter deep and dangerous,
Henry IV, Part I [I, 3]
5. How to recognize tasks that may involve exposure to blood and other potentially infectious material, (g)(2)(vii)(E).
From helmet to the spur all blood he was.
Henry V [IV, 6]
6. Explain the use and limitations of engineering controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), and work practices such as hand hygiene, (g)(2)(vii)(F).
Out, damned spot! out, I say!-
Macbeth [V, 1]
7. Information on the array of PPE available, the location, handling, decontamination, and disposal of it, (g)(2)(vii)(G).
…the armour that I saw in your tent
to-night, are those stars or suns upon it?
Henry V [III, 7]
8. An explanation on what PPE to use and when, (g)(2)(vii)(H).
O, that I were a glove upon that hand,
That I might touch that cheek!
Romeo and Juliet [II, 2]
9. Information about the how the hepatitis B vaccine works, (g)(2)(vii)(I).
Come, then; for with a wound I must be cured.
Antony and Cleopatra [IV, 14]
10. How to report an exposure, (g)(2)(vii)(J).
Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the streets.
Julius Caesar [III, 1]
11. Instructions following an exposure and methods for medical follow-up, (g)(2)(vii)(K).
…But in these cases
We still have judgment here; that we but teach
Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return
To plague the inventor:
Macbeth [I, 7]
12. Information about the post-exposure evaluation and physician’s written opinion, (g)(2)(vii)(L).
Who worse than a physician
Would this report become?
Cymbeline [V, 5]
13. Explanation of the signs, labels and, color-coding required by the standard, (g)(2)(vii)(M).
Their bloody sign of battle is hung out,
And something to be done immediately.
Julius Caesar [V, 1]
14. An opportunity for questions and answers with the person conducting the training, (g)(2)(vii)(N).
Go, go, you question with a wicked tongue.
Hamlet [III, 4]
Just to prove that this “honest Puck” is not a stuffed shirt, I’ve also pondered how to train workers on slip, fall hazards using Road Runner cartoons.
Have you employed unorthodox training methods for your OSHA compliance needs? Share them in the comments section below.
Did you find this advice helpful? Learn how you can get all your OSHA questions answered by registering for OSHA Healthcare Advisor’s “Q&A Roundtable: Solutions to Your Compliance Challenges” audioconference.
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David LaHoda
David LaHoda, the managing editor of Medical Environment Update and OSHA Watch, has produced healthcare training videos and consulted for medical practices and ambulatory healthcare facilities.
David has written 196 posts.
Comments
Love your sense of humor. Thank you for the morning chuckle.
Your assemblage of quotes is suberb! We’ve all become so attuned to OSHA and other “standard” language – do we come across sounding like this sometimes? Kudos to the author. I enjoyed the humor.
Excellent! Can’t wait for the “trips and falls” sequel.
I love the humor and delivery. With every issue I pull a funny or OMG out and email the staff. It helps same as those darn signs and keeps a tough job light.
this is outstanding. We can use in in everyday encounters for fun and learning!!
Oh, this is great! Let’s see more humor with Medical Environment Update — maybe a cartoon with each issue. Employees really enjoy a bit of humor with the safety training. Thanks!
Great delivery!!!
I, also, would like to see cartoons. I think my staff would relate to the through cartoons.
Thank You.
That was great.
I have people working for me that may understand this but some of them including myself, feel that the three stooges are canidates for ppe
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