Preventing injury and illness on the job is something all employees should take seriously. The health of workers and their families is at stake. An on-the-job-accident or infection could very easily disable a worker.
- Do not engage in horseplay in the facility at any time - stay focused on the task at hand.
- Allow your co-workers to stay focused at all times by refraining from distracting actions.
- Always wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE), especially when working with needles, toxic chemicals, and patients with highly communicable diseases and illnesses.
- Watch your footing at all times. Wear slip-resistant shoes, and do not run. If children or patients are running, ask them to stop.
- Remember that sanitation is key: Keep yourself and your work area clean and free from debris.
- Know your limits - if you feel fatigued or as though you cannot complete your work safely, stop and decide what you need to do to stay out of harm's way.
- Never perform work that you are unauthorized to do.
- Know what to do in case of emergency, whether it's an on-the-job injury, infectious disease outbreak or natural disaster.
- Pay attention to your health. If you are experiencing any symptoms of contagious illness, contact a supervisor about staying home.
- If you come into contact with any bodily fluid or are the victim of an accidental needle stick - immediately report to the supervisor on duty.
- Wash your hands when you enter the facility, before interacting with each patient, after handling toxic materials, before eating or applying cosmetics, after using the bathroom or sneezing and before leaving the facility.
- Check your clothes as you leave for the day to ensure you are not bringing infections materials home with you.
