Workplace Safety
Know the hazards
Biological (blood, body fluids, airborne pathogens), sharps, chemical (disinfectants, formalin, glutaraldehyde), electrical, fire, ergonomic (lifting, repetitive tasks), slips and falls, radiation, and stress or violence from patients and relatives.
Sharps injury – immediate steps
- Wash the wound with soap and running water; do not squeeze or suck it.
- Flush splashes to eyes, nose or mouth with water or saline.
- Report to the nurse-in-charge immediately and complete the incident form.
- Attend the hospital's post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) service as soon as possible – HIV PEP is most effective when started within hours (ideally within 2 hours), and hepatitis B status must be checked.
- Get baseline testing and follow-up as advised.
Fire and electrical safety
RACE: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Evacuate. PASS for extinguishers: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. Know the nearest extinguisher, exit and assembly point. Never use water on electrical fires; switch off the supply first. Report frayed cords and overloaded sockets.
Ergonomics and manual handling
Assess the load, use aids, bend the knees, keep the load close, avoid twisting, and get help for heavy patients. Never lift a patient alone if a hoist or colleague is available.
Worked example
While disposing of waste you feel a needle prick through the bag. Reasoning: wash with soap and water, do not squeeze; report at once; check the source patient's status through the nurse; attend PEP within two hours; complete the incident form and follow-up tests at 6 weeks and 3 months as advised.
Traps
- Squeezing or sucking the needlestick wound.
- Delaying PEP until the next day.
- Not reporting a near miss.
- Using a fire extinguisher on a person instead of the fire.