Archive for: General Safety and Health
Two new respirator protection video clips
I just wanted to drop a quick reminder to everyone that we just uploaded two new video clips into the Video Library regarding training and employee use of N95 respirators.
Lab workers can look to CDC guidelines too
You have probably already seen many of the CDC guidelines, but in case they’ve been lost in the shuffle of your inbox, here’s a review of safety guidelines specific for lab workers dealing with influenza A (H1N1).
The most recent guidelines, released today, are for lab workers performing diagnostic testing on clinical specimens from patients who are suspected of infection. This testing should be conducted in a BSL2 laboratory, according to the CDC, and manipulations should be performed inside a biosafety cabinet (BSC).
Viral isolation on these specimens should be performed in a BSL2 laboratory with BSL3 practices.
Other precautions should include:
- fit tested N95 respirators
- shoe covers
- closed-front gowns
- double gloves
- face shields or goggles
Employees should also monitor their health and watch for symptoms of H1N1 such as cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, runny nose, muscle aches, and fever. For an employee who has experienced a known breach in PPE, an antiviral should be considered for the seven days prior to exposure.
On a side note, the CDC also recommends that clinical specimens should be shipped to labs in dry ice and appropriate packaging, labeled clearly with pertinent information requested by the state public health laboratory.
WHO raises pandemic alert level to phase 5
In case you haven’t seen it yet, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the pandemic alert level to phase 5 last night, indicating a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent.
From a statement from Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO general-director:
Swine flu updates
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few days— and maybe you are starting to wish you did—you have probably been locked on to the CDC Web site or the World Health Organization (WHO) Web site for swine flu updates. However, since you’ve had such a bombardment of info over the last two days, we’ve tried to condense the relevant resources and statistics.
Weekly Poll: Pandemic preparedness
A report released by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) recently claimed that America’s healthcare facilities are not prepared to protect their employees during a pandemic flu outbreak. Of the 104 facilities surveyed, one-third said they had no written plan in place for a pandemic, and 43% of respondents said that because of the lack of readiness, they thought most or some of their co-workers would stay home during a pandemic.
Without this workforce, the already unpredictable nature of a pandemic could be much worse. But who could blame them? After all, there is no reason healthcare workers should have to risk their own health to do their job.
Do you think your facility has enough precautions in place?
Sniffing out bad air
A complaint from a patient or employee at your healthcare facility is all it takes to signal a potential problem with indoor air quality (IAQ).
First, try to obtain specific information. Be precise about the incident’s time and location. Investigate whether it is an isolated or recurring event. Is it noticed mainly by patients, employees, or both?
Weekly Poll: New OSHA head
President Obama recently appointed Jordan Barab, a “no-hold-barred” safety adviser, as acting head of OSHA. Barab’s seemingly stringent approach to safety regulation could mean significant changes… or maybe the bureaucracy of Washington will be too much for him.
President Obama recently appointed Jordan Barab, a What do you think of the new OSHA head?
Our own “Mac-blogger” has a new book out
Congratulations to OSHA Healthcare Advisor blogger Steve MacArthur on the publication of his new book, The Hospital Safety Director’s Handbook. If you enjoy reading Steve’s OSHA Healthcare Advisor posts, you’ll find the information in his new book to be an essential safety resource.
Healthcare workers safety association says: Protect our blood, backs and lungs
A year ago this month, the Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP) surveyed its members about what issues concerned them most, and bloodborne infections from needlesticks and sharps, injuries for handing and lifting patients, and protection from airborne diseases made the top three list.
Ask the expert—Home sharps waste, no longer simply a drop in the coffee can
Q: I know this is outside the workplace safety realm, but a patient asked how he should properly dispose of insulin needles?
A: A dated EPA publication (1999) Handle with Care: How To Throw Out Used Insulin Syringes and Lancets At Home recommends:
- Place used syringes or lancets into a strong plastic or metal container with a tight cap or lid, such as a bleach container or coffee can.
- When the container is full and tightly sealed with heavy-duty tape, throw it out in the trash, and more importantly, not in your recycling bin.
