1.       Watch out for workplace violence

While we don’t tend to think of healthcare facilities as violent places, serious workplace violence is four times more common in the healthcare industry than in the private sector. Examples of workplace violence in a healthcare setting can include physical or verbal attacks from patients, domestic disputes and distraught or angry family members. Check your surroundings, be aware of who is around you—and if you feel unsafe, contact hospital security or the local police department.

2.       Be careful with sharp objects

Healthcare workers handle needles and other sharp, contaminated objects on a regular basis.  The CDC has put together the following rules for safely handling sharp devices:

o    Announce audible when passing sharps
o    Use rounded bladed in place of sharp-tipped blades
o    Don’t grab sharps with your fingers
o    Use neutral zones to transfer sharps instead of passing them hand-to-hand

3.       Work ergonomically

According to the OSHA, almost half of injuries that cause missed work days are the result of improper exertion, like patient handling. Examples of activities that can cause a musculoskeletal disorder are lifting heavy weights, reaching, bending or standing for long periods of time. Take breaks when needed, ask for assistance with patient lifting, and use proper lifting for heavy items.

4.       Practice good hand hygiene

Washing your hands regularly is a time-tested way to prevent the spread of infection – from patient to patient and from patient to healthcare worker. Healthcare staff should wash their hands after direct contact with patient skin, blood, bodily fluids and excretions and inanimate objects near the patient. Hands should also be washed after removing gloves, using the bathroom and eating.

5.       Know how to operate equipment

Know how to operate equipment, ask your department supervisor to get properly trained to prevent injuries (cuts/laceration).