Smoke and Fire
•
Persons living in a private home may be on their own and thus responsible for
their own living conditions for periods of time. There may be instances where
support staff may check in on the participant and perform duties intermittently,
but for the most part, caregivers may or not be present, and participants primarily
care for themselves. There may be times when staff or other caregivers are
present but become distracted or otherwise occupied with daily tasks.
This means that if a participant may choose to burn candles, cook on the stove or
smoke cigarettes. He may do so if the planning team has determined the risks
are acceptable or he may take it upon himself to do this. Because of the potential
fire risks, the employer needs to outline and discuss safety rules and develop
protocols in detail with all participants and their primary caregivers.
The employer should be informed of staff who are smokers and set rules
regarding smoking.
Employers should inform caregivers of participants who are forgetful yet cook on
a stove or in an oven or who have a history of turning on appliances.
Decisions need to be made regarding the availability of smoking materials and
candles.
The employer and staff should routinely discuss who are performing tasks such
as cooking and using electrical appliances and determine if and when it is no
longer safe for participants to be independent with tasks that could potentially
pose a fire risk.
Bathing and Personal Care
•
A bathroom is often considered a safe haven in the home. It is a place where you
can take a long, hot bubble bath or shower, wash away the cares of the world
and relax after a hectic day. However, it can be full of hidden safety hazards that
can present dangers for you, your children and other people who may live in your
home. Following just a few commonsense rules will help keep your bathroom a
place of safety and relaxation.
•
Persons who self direct may care for themselves on a regular basis and some
shower and bathe on their own. Caregivers should pay attention and record all
accidents and injuries that a participant receives. Often participants have motor
or sensory disabilities and need to be careful when bathing and showering, as
they may slip and fall. Caregivers should provide close supervision to participants
who cannot perform such hygienic routines without assistance or assist with such
functions to keep the person safe. Develop guidelines and routines for
caregivers regarding the level of assistance that the participant will need.
Install Safety Rails
•
Even for someone who only temporarily requires assistance, it is important to
install safety rails in the home. These rails can be tailored to the participant's
needs and should be placed in areas where the person could fall or may require
assistance sitting or standing, such as in the bath or shower, down a hall or
stairwell and in the bedroom near closets or other doorways. These rails are
made to support a person's body weight and can be angled so that the person
has the best leverage possible when using the rails.
Medication
•
Home health care is a useful alternative for persons who self-direct services.
Home health care services can be provided by a health care service, visiting
nurses or even trained family members or caregivers. Because individuals
receiving home health care services are in need of medical assistance, it is
important to follow a few simple safety rules when providing assistance in the
home.
Keep in mind that medications should not be stored in the bathroom. High
humidity may reduce the effectiveness of some medications and keeping them in
a safe, secured location will prevent participants from accidentally ingesting
them.
Medication can be dangerous when not taken properly. Medication that is taken
routinely, generally daily, is a routine occurrence in self-direction. The caregivers
who assist a participant often are expected to ensure that the person receives
medication and attends doctor appointments, treatments and other medical
appointments. Paid caregivers should never give medication if they have not
been trained. Medication certification training is available to direct service staff.
Contact your Regional Office to find out more information.
Caregivers should keep safety in mind when assisting the participant with taking
their medication and when storing medication. Independent participants may be
able to take their own medications but caregivers should pay attention to
participants they support who are declining in overall health to make sure that
they are not forgetting to take their medication or making errors when taking their
medication.
Use a Monitor
•
Use of a monitor when providing supportive care can be especially beneficial for
participants experiencing a limited range of motion. These monitors can vary
from walkie-talkie type radios to baby monitors that allow the caregiver to audibly
monitor the person when in another room. Using a monitor can help the
participant to receive assistance when they need it without yelling, or to easily
call for help in case of an accident or emergency situation when the caregiver is
not in the room.
Training
•
All caregivers, even family members, should undergo some type of caregiving
training prior to providing services to ensure that they are providing adequate
care for the participant that address his physical and support needs. This training
could be as simple as consulting with planning team members, or as extensive
as formal training. Paid caregivers will have to have completed formal training
before being allowed to provide services to a participant.
Poor Lighting
•
Poor lighting can result in trip and fall accidents. In addition, if medication is kept
in a cabinet, poor lighting can result in accidental medication mix-ups. Use
lighted switch covers so everyone can easily locate the light switch. Also
consider using a night-light in the bathroom, kitchen and in the hallways.
******************************************************************
Accidental Falls
•
Falling, tripping or slipping is a common cause of injuries in the bathroom and
kitchen. This can be due to water that may have spilled or splashed onto the floor
or to slippery surfaces in the tub or shower. The steam and humidity from a hot
bath or shower also can make floor surfaces slippery. Avoid using bath oils that
leave an oily residue in your tub. If you use these types of products, clean the tub
after each use.
Install safety features for any family members who have difficulty sitting down on
or getting up from the toilet seat as well as for those who have difficulty getting in
and out of the bathtub or shower. Features such as grab bars, elevated toilet
seats, and bath seats can be very helpful for these individuals. Purchase a
handheld shower head that can be used while sitting in the shower for those who
cannot stand for long periods. Use a faucet cushion to prevent head injuries
should someone fall while in the bathtub or shower. Finally, keep your bathroom
floor clear of towels, dirty clothing, toys or other objects that do not belong there.
Instruct those in your home to put their dirty clothes in a hamper--not on the floor.
Burns
•
Keep your water heater set at 120°F or lower to ensure the safety of small
children or elderly people who live in your home. It only takes a few seconds to
suffer a burn from hot water. Always test the water with your hand before placing
babies or small children into the bathtub even if you checked the temperature
while the water was running. It is wise to swish the water around when you are
testing the temperature in order to dissipate any hot spots. Always turn on the
cold water first and then add hot water until the temperature is around 100°F. If
you are unsure if the water temperature is safe, you can measure the
temperature with a bath or candy thermometer. Always turn the hot water off first
when you have enough water in the tub. Never leave a baby or small child alone
in the tub, even for a few seconds. Drowning deaths can occur in very small
amounts of water.
Electric Appliances
•
Avoid using electric appliances such as small space heaters in your bathroom. If
you must, keep the appliance on a counter and make sure the cord does not
dangle near water. Never allow a curling iron, blow dryer or other appliance to be
close enough to a bathtub to fall into it. This can electrocute you. Keep the
bathroom sink free of water when you are using electric shavers or hair
appliances, as these devices can easily fall into the sink. Always unplug any
appliances after using them to guard against these types of accidents.
Your bathroom is full of safety hazards that may be inconspicuous to the untrained eye.
Many homeowners are interested in discovering ways to make their homes -bathrooms included -- safer for the family. A helpful start is a bathroom safety checklist,
which is a useful way to keep track of the various safety hazards.
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1. Slip-and-Fall Hazards
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Slip-and-fall hazards are common in bathroom environments because of all the
water and liquid cosmetic products. To keep your bathroom slip-and-fall free,
deal with slippery surfaces to make sure all spills are cleaned up so that the
walking surface is always dry. Check for leaks and ensure that objects such as
washcloths and bath toys are kept away from the bathroom floor. Messy
bathroom floors cause slip and fall accidents.
Electrical Safety
o
Bathrooms are dangerous because they encourage people to use electrical
appliances in the proximity of water. As part of your focus on electrical safety,
keep counters dry. After using the sink, the user must wipe it down with a paper
towel or washcloth so that spills are not left behind. Use electrical appliances
such as hairdryers or plug-in electric razors only when the counter area is not
wet. Ensure that electrical appliances are stored properly. A special place for
them in the cabinet or under the sink is sufficient, but under no circumstances
should a hairdryer be left on the bathtub wall or on top of the sink. Always unplug
electrical appliances after use. Finally, ensure that the outlets in the bathroom
are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets.
Chemicals and Medications
o
Chemicals used for cleaning bathrooms and medications that you take must be
locked up. If you have small children at home, or pets that are smart enough to
know how to open your bathroom cabinets, get a lock for the cabinets and use it.
Every time you unlock the cabinet to remove the chemicals or pill bottles, be sure
to put them back and lock them up again immediately.
Water Temperature
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Check the hot water temperature now and then. If your water starts to become
too hot, it can cause burns, especially to young children. Write down a reminder
to visually inspect your water heater every few weeks to make sure it is set to the
right temperature.
Waste Management
o
Do not use an open trash can to throw away dangerous items such as razor
blades, empty chemical bottles and broken nail scissors. Be on the lookout for
dangerous waste, and remember to empty the trash on a regular basis.
Bath and Shower Safety
o
It is possible to lose your step and fall in the bathtub or shower. To prevent this,
install anti-slip mats that use a suction device to stick to the bathtub or shower
floor. These mats help you keep your step and grip the floor surface even when
it's wet.
•
safety checklist offers parents and other caregivers of children a routine way to
ensure that a home is a safe environment. Using a child home safety inspection
checklist, the adult can identify items that must be fixed, guarded, locked up,
tested, placed out of reach or otherwise safeguarded. Following through on the
steps on the checklist protects children living in the home. For foster homes and
family home daycare providers, a safety checklist is required by law.
Fire Safety Inspection
•
A fire safety inspection aims to keep inhabitants safe by making sure fire safety
measures are in place. A home must have two exits, and every room in the home
should offer easy access to an exit. Obstacles should not block exits, including
stairs, doorways and rescue windows.
To prevent fires, adults should store flammable materials and poisons out of
children's reach. Homes should be protected with smoke detectors that work
properly and with one or more fire extinguishers. All adults in the home should
practice with children how to exit the home in case of a fire, and everyone should
know where to meet up outside the home.
Locks
•
Locks prevent small children from accessing areas of the home that could
contain hazards, and prevent children from going outside without an adult. A
home safety checklist might include high locks on exit doors and barriers to
prevent children from entering a pool area. Locks might also be needed to
prevent children from accessing functional rooms such as the laundry room,
garage, basement and the cellar. Keep locks on areas that contain cleaning
liquids, bug sprays and other harmful materials. Be certain that locks will not
prevent adults from reaching children in the event of an emergency.
Baby Proofing
•
Parents and caregivers of small children should use a safety inspection checklist
specific to baby proofing a home. A checklist should include putting electrical
covers on wall outlets and keeping small objects that may cause choking out of
reach. Medicines and other materials that might be mistaken for food should be
locked up. Windows and balcony doors need latches or guards, and balconies
need protective coverings so children will not squeeze between the bars and fall
to the ground below. Stairways must be blocked by safety gates to protect infants
and toddlers from falling. Walkways must be kept clear to prevent trips and falls.
• Kitchen
•
Keep kids safe in the kitchen.
The kitchen has many safety considerations. Always keep children away from hot surfaces.
Do not carry a child and a hot item at the same time. When you cook, make sure to put
everything on the back burners to prevent a child from pulling on pot handles and dumping
out hot contents. Cover electrical outlets with safety guards. Medications, vitamins, sharp
objects and other potentially dangerous substances need to be stored out of reach or in a
locked cabinet. Some families choose to install child locks on cabinets or appliances to
prevent unsafe exploration. Store buckets empty and upside down to prevent drowning or
getting stuck.
Bedroom
Safety in the bedroom allows for free play.
•
Bedrooms are a great place to play when they are safe. Secure windows with a sturdy
window guard and window screens. Make sure the windows can be opened completely in
the event of a fire. Use child-proof curtains or blinds that do not have strings that could choke
a child if they get adventurous and try to use them for riding an imaginary horse. Make sure
heavy dressers or other furniture are secured to the wall with furniture straps or brackets.
Check small items to make sure they are not choking size. Do not use pillows and blankets
around babies, and make sure the bed is safe with a railing if necessary. Playpens need to
have the sides up and locked to prevent injuries.
Family Room
•
A safe family room makes a great gathering place to talk, play a game or watch a movie.
Cover electrical outlets if you have young children. Make heavy furniture safe by securing to
the wall with straps or brackets. Cover sharp corners of coffee tables or other objects with
soft foam and tape to prevent injury if a child falls or hangs on the edge while he learns to
walk.
Bathroom
•
The bathroom is both an amusing and dangerous place for a child. Be sure to know what you
have in your bathroom and keep all dangerous cleaners, vitamins and medications out of
reach or in a locked cabinet. Store buckets and anything else that holds liquids empty and
upside down. Use a nonskid mat on the floor and in the tub. If you have a child who explores
the toilet, consider installing a toilet lock or leaving the bathroom doors closed. Set your hot
water heater at a level that will not scald young skin. When giving your child a bath, test the
water with your wrist or elbow to make sure it is not too hot and keep a hand on your child as
you bathe her. Drowning can happen quickly.
Overall Safety
•
Look around each room for potential hazards. Put away items you do not want a child to
explore or that may be dangerous. Make sure any household repairs are completed, such as
trim coming off that has tacks sticking out. Check for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
that work properly at least 15 feet away from any fuel-burning appliances. Keep space
heaters at least three feet away from flammable items such as curtains or blankets.
Although you may not think about it often, accidents and injuries can occur in practically
every room of your house. The simplest way to help prevent these types of incidents
from occurring is by using a home safety inspection checklist. Although there are many
types of home safety inspection checklists, creating your own personalized checklist
can help you and your family take a hands-on approach to home safety.
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Difficulty:
Moderately Easy
Instructions
1.
o
1
Make a list of all the different types of rooms in your house. Group similar
rooms together, such as the living room and family room or master
bathroom and family bathroom, to help keep the list short and concise.
o
2
Analyze the particular safety concerns for the members of your household.
As an example, if you have a younger child, keeping cleaning products
locked in the cabinet of your kitchen might be a priority, or you might need
to have a working flashlight next to the bed for a senior member of your
household.
o
3
Walk through each room of your house. Consider the use of each room and
the potential dangers that you see. Write down the types of hazards that
you see for each room and what needs to be done and checked on a
monthly basis to prevent accidents from occurring.
o
4
Create a similar list for your garage and outdoors. Keeping poisonous
substances locked up and out of the reach of children or sidewalks clear of
debris are two examples of things you should list for the garage and
outdoors.
o
5
Prepare a master copy of your home safety checklist on the computer. Print
a copy out each month to use as your home safety inspection checklist.
Tips & Warnings
•
Create a fire escape map while you are creating your home safety inspection
checklist. Include two ways of escape from each room as well as a place for
family members to meet once they are outside the house.
•
Remember to include a monthly check of smoke detectors on your checklist. You
should add a reminder for when batteries in smoke detectors should be changed
and at what time of the year.
The living room is the place in the home where the family gathers and where, generally,
there is a lot of foot traffic. It also is often the place for entertainment where electronic
devices are kept for easy access. Even pets congregate in living rooms. The living room
is often centrally located and should be protected from intrusions. Following a safety
checklist can give you peace of mind.
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1. Safeguard Wires
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With the advent of home entertainment centers, there are screens in most living
rooms for the viewing pleasure of the family. Secure wires for televisions,
computers and sound systems to ensure they don't become tripping hazards or
chew toys for the family dog. Tape or tack them down for added safety. Tuck
them behind cabinets and under rugs, if possible. Install child-protection devices
for electrical outlets.
Alarm Checks
o
The living room in most households is close to the kitchen or dining area. Proper
fire protection begins with a working smoke alarm. Make sure you install one
close to where the family cooks and change the batteries frequently. Installing a
carbon monoxide detector is also important.
Burglar Protection
o
Safety begins with awareness. Someone thinking about breaking into your home
to burglarize it will watch the patterns of movement in the living room to
determine if the house is vacant. Install timers for your lights and set them for
activation when you are gone. As additional deterrents, install sound systems
that play music or simulate barking.
Window Guards
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Adding an extra lock to your living room windows is an inexpensive step that can
bring you peace of mind. The living room is on the first floor in most residences
and can be the first point of entry into your home. For apartment dwellers, check
the fire escape if it is located in the living room to make sure it is not hindered or
obstructed.
There are many reasons to have a home safety checklist. If you have elderly parents
who live alone, make sure their house is safe to keep them from being accidentally
injured. Go through each room in your own home and ensure that everything is secured
properly, set at the recommended temperatures and that you have safety equipment in
your home in case of fire or other hazard.
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1. Kitchen
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Ensure that your kitchen is equipped with a fire extinguisher. Check to see
whether your smoke detectors are properly installed and that the batteries are
working. If you have a gas stove, install a carbon monoxide detector in the
kitchen. Make sure any throw rugs or loose carpeting contain backing that grips
or are fastened to the floor. Use non-skid wax if you wax the kitchen floors.
Bathrooms
o
Make sure the bathtubs and showers have rubber mats on the bottoms to keep
the occupant from slipping. If elderly occupants reside in the home, install a grab
bar in the bathtub, shower and toilet area. Make sure that any rugs have backing
that grips the floor so they are not a fall hazard. If you have small children, lower
the temperature on your water heater to avoid scalding water accidentally
burning your child.
Halls and Entryways
o
Check that halls and entryways are well lit. If your house has stairs, make sure
the carpets are fastened properly and that the stairwells are well lit. Make sure
the banister or handrail is securely fastened. Install smoke alarms in the hallways
and check the batteries regularly to ensure they are functioning.
Exterior
o
Keep your house safe from intruders by installing window locks, and keep your
doors properly locked. Keep hedges trimmed so they don't cover your windows,
allowing burglars to open the windows unseen from the street. Install exterior
lighting if your neighborhood is dark. Lock up any exterior ladders that you may
have on the property so an intruder cannot use one to access a second-floor
window. Emergency vehicles will need to see your house numbers if they are
ever called to your property, so make sure they are illuminated or easily seen.
Check that intruders cannot reach your front or back door locks through a mail
slot or pet door.
Miscellaneous
o
Besides the kitchen, keep a fire extinguisher on a second floor, in a basement or
garage. Make sure an emergency kit is readily available in case you need to
evacuate the house quickly. Ensure all medications are properly labeled and that
the label can be easily read if the medication is for elderly people.
Fire Alarm Systems
•
Inspectors test whether the alarm systems and smoke detectors are functional
and accessible to the occupants. They also check the fire suppression
equipment; sprinklers must be properly installed and operational and fire
extinguishers must have at least "2A 10BC" rating and be placed for easy
access.
Electrical Systems
•
All electrical systems are checked during a life safety inspection. Inspectors
verify the access to electrical panels and the condition of cover plates. Breakers
must have the proper size and extension cords must be properly secured.
Combustibles and flammables must be kept far from heat sources or any
possible electrical sparks.
Emergency Egress
•
A thorough inspection requires that exit doors have visible lighted signs and they
open and close properly, stairs are clean and fire escapes are not obstructed.
Railings or parapet walls must be securely attached and windows must not be
painted shut.
Wiping and Sanitizing
•
Public bathrooms can quickly become a breeding ground for germs. Dirt and
debris are often splattered on sinks, counters, walls and mirrors by people
washing their hands. Toilet and urinal areas are sometimes soiled with bodily
fluids and human excrement. In order to prevent the spread of infection and
germs -- as well as create a more pleasant appearance -- all surfaces should be
frequently wiped down with a clean rag or sponge and industrial-strength
disinfectant or antibacterial cleaner.
Trash
•
Trash receptacles in public restrooms are typically used for discarding used
tissues, paper towels, diapers and various types of waste that carry germs. All
trash cans should be lined with plastic garbage bags that are removed and
replaced on a frequent basis. Sweep up any garbage that has fallen on the floor
before removing and discarding the trash bag. Before relining the bag, wipe
down the inner and outer surfaces of the can and spray with a surface
disinfectant.
Mopping
•
Keeping the bathroom floor clean is also an important procedure that should be
performed on a regular daily schedule, as well as additional mopping as needed.
Always use a bucket of clean, fresh water combined with an industrial-strength
antibacterial disinfecting cleaning agent. To maintain employee and customer
safety and prevent "slip and fall" accidents and lawsuits, always display a "Wet
Floor" warning sign in the area being cleaned until the floor has dried completely.
Dispensers
•
No matter how clean your restaurant's bathroom is kept, it won't stay that way for
long if you don't keep your dispensers full. Also, the lack of soap, toilet paper or
paper towels can make a trip to the restroom an embarrassing and unsanitary
experience for your customers. Make regular spot-checks to ensure that all
dispensers are clean, full and in proper working condition.
Equipment and Supplies
•
All cleaning supplies and equipment should be kept clean, stocked, in functional
working order and located near the restrooms -- at a safe and sanitary distance
from customers. Keep backup paper towels, toilet paper and liquid soap in
storage areas in or near your restrooms. Mops, buckets, cleaners, toilet brushes
and disinfectant sprays should be kept in utility closets or cabinets out of
customers' reach.
Organization
•
Organization is the key to restaurant cleanliness. Write down a list of all the
cleaning that needs to be done in the restaurant. Classify each of these tasks
according to the frequency. For example, the kitchen floor may need mopping
twice a day. Allocate cleaning jobs fairly to members of the staff. Devise a
system whereby the employee who does each cleaning task signs to this effect.
Surfaces
•
All surfaces should be easy to clean and to keep clean. Floor surfaces should
also be nonslip. The surfaces of also should be cleaned thoroughly, with a
substance which cuts through grease. Lemon juice can be effective for this. If
chemical cleaners are used, do not use them on warm stove surfaces as this
may cause a chemical reaction. Pay special attention to grease traps, such as
hoods and grill pans.
Thorough Cleaning
•
Sometimes the daily tasks can be carried out efficiently and, superficially,
everything looks clean. But this can be deceptive. There are certain areas which
can be neglected, and these are often some of the first places an inspector will
look. These include the spaces behind and underneath cookers and other
equipment, and the area around trash cans. The area just outside the restaurant
is also important and if this area is not maintained, vermin may invade and cause
possible health problems.
• Hand-Washing
•
A home health nurse can easily pick up infectious bacteria on her hands and
introduce them to her own body, according to Barbara Acello, in her book, "Nurse
Assisting: Tips for Long-term Care." Frequent hand-washing prevents prevents
the spread of infection by killing harmful bacteria.
Body Mechanics
•
Home health nurses are frequently required to lift, move and properly position
patients. When performing strenuous procedures, a home health nurse should
always bend from the knees and hips rather than from the waist.
Be Aware of Surroundings
•
A home health nurse should always be alert and safe, according to
AllNurses.com. New dangers that wouldn't normally affect a home health nurse
may arise depending on the neighborhoods they are assigned to work in. Home
health nurses should always be cautious and aware of their surroundings.
Home Health Aide Safety Rules
By Laura K. Brestovansky, eHow Contributor
•
•
•
•
Print this article
Home health aides help their patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as
bathing, toileting and dressing. There are several rules aides should follow to keep
themselves and their patients safe.
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1. Infection Control
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Hand washing is very important to prevent germs from spreading. Hands should be
washed with soap and water for at least 15 seconds before and after providing patient
care. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also recommended, except in cases where
someone has come into contact with body fluids or body substances. Gowns, masks,
face shields and protective eyewear may be needed if there is chance of transmitting
communicable diseases.
Fall Prevention
o
Home health aides most often work with the elderly, who may be unsteady on their feet.
To prevent falls, home health aides should be careful to wipe up any spills and to keep
floors clear of debris or clutter. There should be proper lighting. The home health aide
should also stand by, ready to help the patient if he starts to fall. Safety equipment, such
as bed side-rails, safety bars, gait belts, and wheelchair and bed brakes, should be used
properly.
Accident Prevention
o
Accidents can happen in a variety of ways. Home health aides need to take precautions
against burns (such as from hot liquids), poisons (from toxic substances) and suffocation
(from choking or smoke inhalation). The patient should have a call light or another
means of calling for help in an emergency. The home health aide must check all patients
regularly and often. Sharps, biohazardous wastes and other materials should be
disposed of properly, according to agency guidelines.
Disaster Planning
o
Fires and other disasters can happen at any time. Home health aides should know how
to evacuate the patient in case of a fire or power outage. Fre extinguishers, alarms and a
telephone must be on hand, ready to use at a moment's notice.
Medical Error Prevention
o
In order to prevent errors in care, home health aides are provided with a plan that needs
to be followed exactly. Each item on the plan needs to be followed and no other steps
should be taken without the direction of a licensed medical professional, such as a
doctor or nurse. Home health aides should not give medicines or provide other medical
care.
Other Precautions
o
If the patient is at risk of wandering away, an alarm system should be used. If he is
combative and capable of injuring himself or others, restraints may be used, but they
must be checked often and removed every two hours.
If the patient is in danger of physical, emotional or mental abuse, the home health aide
must report the situation to her employer, and may be required to call police or social
service agencies for help.
Home Health Aide Safety
o
Home health aides should use proper body mechanics, proper shoes and proper safety
clothing in order to prevent injury and illness. If the aide senses an unsafe situation, he
should report it to his supervisor and properly document it according to agency
guidelines
• Patient health issues
•
Home health aides need to protect their patients from injury, especially falls and
burns. They need to ensure each patient receives the correct medications on
time and that all dressings and clothing are changed regularly.
Patient Privacy
•
Confidentiality is very important for home health aides and their patients.
Medical, financial and other personal information must be carefully stored. Home
health aides must not discuss their patients' well-being with anyone other than
medical professionals and family members authorized to handle the patient's
case.
Aide health
•
Home health aides must be trained in using proper body mechanics to safely lift
and move patients without injuring themselves or the patient. They must have the
proper clothing, such as the proper gloves, masks and shoes.
Home health aide safety
•
Home health aides often care for several patients and their hours may vary. They
need to be cautious, especially when working in unfamiliar neighborhoods and
when working late-night shifts. They need to protect themselves, their
possessions and their patients from harm. The patient and/or his family members
may have mental or other health issues that can be difficult to manage.
Training
•
Many community colleges and vocational schools offer home health aide training,
which covers these and other safety issues. Although many techniques can be
learned on the job, formal training helps to reinforce skills and ensure patient and
aide well being.
Instructions
1.
o
1
During employee orientation and training, make use of visual aids such as
videos, demonstrations and role-playing games to emphasize office safety.
Handing out employee handbooks or printed materials about safety issues
is fine, but workers may choose not to read them carefully.
o
2
Display the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) poster
titled "Job Safety and Health: It's the Law" in a prominent location instead of
a back room or other infrequently used space. Download or order an
updated version of the poster at the OSHA website.
o
3
Place a sign promoting proper ergonomics near each computer
workstation. Host quarterly workshops on improving ergonomics and
reducing repetitive stress injuries. Include tips about workstation
ergonomics in regular e-mail communications or the company's newsletter.
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4
Keep materials data safety sheets (MSDS) about every chemical regularly
used in the office, including cleaning supplies, These sheets outline the
chemical contents of office chemicals, as well as clean-up instructions and
health and safety information. Collect the sheets in a binder and display the
binder prominently, indicating its location with signs.
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5
Hold regular fire drills, emergency drills and drills for severe weather
(tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.) appropriate for your geographic
location. The more drills you have, the more comfortable your staff will be
using with proper escape routes and following safe evacuation procedures.
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6
Assemble a team of volunteers to act as safety officers. Hold meetings and
brainstorm ways to keep the office safe and promote office safety
awareness. Assign different safety officers to respond to particular kinds of
worker concerns and act as watchdogs to uncover potential safety
problems.
Why Are Safety Rules Important?
By Abigail Wise, eHow Contributor
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Safety rules prevent injuries and even save lives. These rules are especially important
in schools, because when parents send children to school, they're trusting teachers and
administrators with the students' safety.
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1. Injury Prevention in the Classroom
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Classroom rules may include everything from warnings against throwing things to a
prohibition against fighting. These rules hold special importance because, generally only
one supervisor is in charge of a class at a time. Since watching 15 to 25 children at a
time can be challenging, rules help maintain structure and keep the students safe.
On the Playground
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Recess can be a dangerous time. With wide-open spaces, swings and play set
equipment, rules are a must. Be sure to always have enough staff assigned to watch the
children on the playground.
Bus Safety Rules
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Because the bus driver cannot possibly watch all of the students and the road at the
same time, safety rules are essential. Children must be seated at all times, especially
because most buses lack seat belts. They should also be prevented from distracting the
driver, who needs to focus on the road.
Liability
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While at school, the responsibility of the children's care falls on the school's staff. To
avoid lawsuits and gain the respect of the parents, safety rules are crucial in the field of
education.
Conclusion
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Safety rules prove necessary in all aspects of school, from recess to bus rides.
America's Safe Schools Week is celebrated every October to encourage these rules.
Rules help protect workers from lawsuits. But most importantly, they provide a safe
environment for students by preventing injuries.