Page 42 - Christiana Care Focus June July 2018

Commit to making work a safer place
June is National Safety Month, a reminder that we are all partners in creating a safer workplace.
At Christiana Care, the most frequent on-the-job recordable injury is needlesticks, followed by slips, trips and falls, notes Nancy Kirby, CIH, Occupational Safety manager.
The health system has addressed these issues by initiating a needlestick safety program and installing spill stations that empower employees to quickly cover wet spots to avoid slips.
As individuals, we can all contribute to a safer environment by being responsible and aware. It’s up to us to do our part.
“We provide employees with the tools to be safe,” Kirby notes. “But if you are distracted when you walk down the hallway and there’s a puddle on the floor you might not see it.”
Maintaining our surroundings is important but it isn’t enough. We need to maintain our bodies, too, says Aron McConnell, PT, DPT, COMT, CSCS, Pn1, of Christiana Care Rehabilitation Services.
“It starts with getting enough sleep, at least 7.5 hours a night,” he says. “Your judgment, your reaction time, is worse if you don’t get enough sleep.”
Dehydration also impacts cognition. So drink lots of water.
Lifting and moving materials are another source of potential injury. Test the weight if you are lifting something. If you can’t move it readily, ask a colleague to help.
“Most of us know to use our legs when we are lifting,” McConnell said. “But it’s also important to hinge at the hips. Be aware of your movements, of the way you use your body.”
Here are other ways to stay safe on the job:
· Be alert and aware when walking on sidewalks and through parking lots. If a parking lot or sidewalk needs repair, report it.
· Take the initiative. When you enter an area, take a quick survey of the area. Look for potential hazards and fix them. For example, make sure cords are out of the way, cabinet doors are closed, etc.
· Take a moment to stretch. It’s a great way to relieve tension and prepare your body for the work ahead.
· Don’t try to move multiple objects at once. Don’t try to pull a cart if you are pushing a cart.
· There are lifts for patients in every room. Use them according to the training provided.
· When stocking or restocking shelves, place heavier items at waist height, and lighter items on higher and lower shelves.
· At least once an hour, stand up and walk around.
· Consider desks that can transition between sitting and standing. Establish habits that ensure movement, such as sitting down when you are on the computer, and standing when you are on the phone.
If you are injured, seek treatment right away. Don’t delay, hoping your pain will go away.
“Pain is not our natural state,” McConnell said. “Pain is a message to our brains that something is wrong.” 
Let’s Commit To Be Fit |
40 CHRISTIANA CARE HEALTH SYSTEM