Monday, December 28, 2015

Infection Control

    Every year, lives are lost because of the spread of infections in hospitals. Health care workers can take steps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. These steps are part of infection control.  Of the many ways to prevent infection, the most commonly stressed is hand washing.  This is also the most practiced form of infection control  as it is a vigorously set standard by the CDC.  There are multiple ways to practice hand sanitation, one for example is the use of an alcohol based hand rub as a disinfectant.  The proper process is to apply to one hand and vigorously rub both hands together until dry.  The second of course, is washing your hands using soap and water.  This process is properly executed by wetting your hands with cold water, applying soap, and vigorously scrubbing hands with the antibacterial soap for fifteen seconds.  Next, rinse your hands and dry them with a paper towel, you will then use the paper towel to turn off the faucet.  Hand sanitation is always necessary before touching a patient, exiting the care area after touching the patient or potentially contaminated materials, after touching any form of bodily fluid, before performing an aseptic task (ie. injection), and after glove removal.      A second form of infection control is through the use of Personal Protection Equipment, otherwise known as PPE.  PPE takes many shapes and forms, consisting of gloves, gowns, goggles, surgical masks, face masks, gas masks, hazmat suits, face shields, and respirators.  All PPE have at least one similarity, and that is the standards set by the CDC.  All PPE must be fit to the user, and the proper PPE must be used for certain procedures.  Personal Protection Equipment requires a specialized procedure to both put on and remove.  To equip PPE, the equipment must be new, or disinfected if it is a reusable material.  Hand hygiene as previously discussed must occur before donning PPE, then the user may equip his or her gown, next face protection device, and lastly gloves.  For PPE removal, simply reverse the process, removing the gloves first without touching the potentially infected outside portion.
    Another and more than likely most important infection control precaution, is the identification process of those with potential respiratory infections.  A very common form of disease outbreak, is through respiratory excretion of an infection (ie. coughing, sneezing, etc.)  Through pathogenesis (entering through the distal airway via inhalation), common infections such as Influenza, Bronchitis, Bronchiolitis, and Pneumonia can be very easily spread without taking proper infection control measures.  With proper safety measures, infection can easily be subsided to a minimal amount.  One of the most common procedures taken, is the use of respiratory hygiene (ie. cough and sneeze etiquette.)  Another important form of infection control is training staff as to how to remain alert with identifying people with potential respiratory infections (irregular breathing, coughing, sneezing, and hacking.)  Finally, respiratory infection spreading can be slowed simply by using the supplies available in practically every medical facility.  These consist of face masks, tissues, alcohol based hand rubs, and no-touch waste receptacles for disposal of potentially contaminated materials.
    Through necessary and implemented protocol, infection control can be efficiently and successfully used to keep medical facilities, staff, and patients safe.  MedTrainer offers many courses pertaining to Infection control ranging from Airborne and Droplet disease Transmission to Hand Hygiene.  Keep your medical facility and staff safe, and ensure that your patients are taken care of with the use of MedTrainer, an online compliance system that is effective, inexpensive, and used worldwide as a way to keep the medical field safe and reliable.
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Monday, December 21, 2015

Ergonomics and Injury

A Musculoskeletal Disorder otherwise known as an MSD, is a condition in which muscles, nerves, and tendons are affected negatively.  MSD's of the neck, upper extremities, and lower back, are the number one causes of a lost workday injury and illness.  There are over one-hundred different Musculoskeletal Disorders affecting anywhere from tendons, to ligaments, to muscles all throughout the body.  An MSD can easily be caused by lifting too heavy of items, pushing/ pulling heavy loads, bending, and reaching overhead.  These are known as risk factors, all of which cause disorders.  However, an MSD doesn't have to happen in an instant, in fact they most commonly occur over a large period of time in which the body is operating in an awkward posture.  Ultimately, analysis shows that the main cause of MSD's in the workplace, is the repetition of processes in which the body is improperly fitted.
    The study of fitting the workplace to the employee, is known as ergonomics.  Ergonomics assists in finding ways to properly and safely function in the workplace, while lowering the susceptibility to MSD's.  When practiced correctly, studies have shown that ergonomics will increase productivity, lessen muscle fatigue, and, lower the number as well as the severity of work related MSD's.  The industries with the highest rates of Musculoskeletal Disorders, are health care, transportation, and warehousing. MSD's can lead to a permanent annoyance in an employees life causing displeasure, discomfort, and a decrease in productivity.  Common MSD's consist of Carpal Tunnel syndrome (CTS), Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).  These are commonly caused by immense physical overexertion such as lifting too heavy of an object, or an object that may not be too heavy, but is lifted too many times.  RA is a rather aggressive degenerative MSD due to the fact that 40% of people with RA retract from the workforce within 5 years of their diagnosis because of their condition  It is the duty of the employees to be aware of when they are damaging themselves, and when to take a break to alleviate any encumbrance they may have attained.  With proper practice of ergonomics, the number of people affected by MSD's can be greatly reduced, productivity will increase, and employees will be able to confidently work without worry of injury.
    The first step in solving MSD's, is addressing what is causing the problem.  This can be tackled simply by creating a strong commitment by management, to enforce and uphold proper ergonomic processes.  Another way to manage MSD influence on the workplace, is to provide training.  Providing an educational format to understand the danger of ergonomic malpractice, can inform employees as to how to identify potential causes to MSD's, and stress the importance of reporting any early signs of a disorder.  A good ergonomics training program will teach employees how to properly use equipment, tools, and machine controls as well as the correct way to perform job tasks.  Such as work methods that allow workers to keep their joints in a neutral position while using tools requiring manual force to prevent excessive force on joints and tendons.  Employers should also encourage employees to avoid forms of side-to-side twisting, and to refrain from making any quick motions with their wrists.  MSD management is another important element of an effective ergonomics program. Proper MSD management focuses on early identification and evaluation of signs and symptoms of MSD's and helps eliminate or reduce the risk of developing MSD's.  With compliance from both the employers, employees, and trainers,  MSD's can be removed from the workplace all together.  Ensure that you meet the compliance standard, and help increase the longevity of your role in the workforce with MedTrainer.  MedTrainer offers an in depth analysis and lesson as to how to remain safe and compliant in the workplace.  http://medtrainer.com/

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Hazardous communication and Safety Data Sheets

    Since December 1st, 2013, all employees have been required to be trained on Safety Data Sheets in the workplace by their employer. An SDS is a precautionary standard in order to avoid injury, and to educate employees on potentially harmful chemicals in the workplace.  It is also an important component of product stewardship as well as occupational safety and health.  SDS's are a commonly used system for cataloging chemicals, chemical compounds, and chemical mixtures.  More often than not, these forms will include physical data of the substance (ie. Melting point, boiling point, etc.). The SDS is widely used to describe toxicity, health effects, how to store said substance, and spill handling procedures.  As a safety measure for employees, each and every SDS contains first aid information, as to how to clean and or disinfect an employee contaminated with said substance.  Certain chemicals have different levels of reactivity, meaning that they require specific types of handling.  SDS's have been implemented to prevent chemical activation of which can injure employees, and cause a business to shut down due to lack of safety protocol being followed.  All of this is to ensure that the handling and working with that substance is in a safe and condoned manner that abides to all governmental regulations and requirements.    

      The new HazCom standards implemented by OSHA, require an in depth hazard classification, descriptive clear labels, a sixteen section format for all SDS's, and of course the informing and training of all employees.  All classifications now consist of specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards, as well as classification of mixtures.  All chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictograph, as well as a hazard statement for each hazard class and category.  Violation will ensue if these labels are damaged in the slightest, for they are required to be easy to read and understand.  Precautionary statements must also be provided about any and all hazardous ingredients contained in a substance.  If any new hazards are identified by the employer after the date of December 1st 2015, it is the job of the employer to inform and educate all employees within six months of said discovery.  The latest legal date to inform all employees by is June 1st, 2016.  However, if the employer is making a reasonable effort to comply, but has yet to received the new SDS's, then said legal end date may be extended.
    When it comes to accessing SDS's, it is within the standard of compliance to keep all files in an "online binder."  However, all files must be obtainable in a backup location in the event of a power outage or in the case of inaccessibility, as well as offsite locations.  In order to be fully and legally compliant, employers must learn the standards as well as the ability to identify responsible staff members that properly follow guidelines.  The employer must also provide and implement a written Hazard Communication Program (HazCom) which informs all employees about a potential hazard.  Other employer duties consist of updating his/her employees with important information regarding SDS Maintenance.  Lastly the employer must constantly undergo re-evaluation and reassessment of his or her program.  This will guarantee compliance with national requirements, and keep your workplace a safe and functioning area of employment as well as care.  Ensure that you follow all protocols with the many online certification courses offered by MedTrainer. http://medtrainer.com