Community
Health Worker Handbook!
News
from Around the Province...
Fraser
Health and the WCB of BC are moving forward with their Safe
Client Handling Program. Learn more about their success on page 1 of
their January newsletter "
BC
Nurses' Union (BCNU) held its Occupational Health & Safety
Conference, “Building for a safe and healthy future” on
November 8 and 9, 2004.
Do
you have news for the Health & Safety Update?
Email your stories,
comments and suggestions to update@ohsah.bc.ca
Online
Infection Control
Coming February 2005
Revisiting Bagless Laundry
Reducing the risk of injury for laundry workers
Blood
& Body Fluid Exposure Control Plans
Now in 3 Health Authorities
OSHTIP
of the Month
The Pharmacy Department
Current Avian influenza
cases in Vietnam highlight the need for appropriate use of infection
control precautions for protection from transmission of infectious diseases.
Visit the
Coming
February 2005
Due to their work environment, healthcare workers are at potential risk of contracting infectious diseases. As such, knowledge of proper infection control practices is of paramount importance for healthcare workers.
In partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health and Children and Women’s Health Centre, OHSAH is currently developing and evaluating an online infection control education module. The course is designed to provide healthcare workers with an understanding of infection control basics, including routine and standard infection control practices, the use of personal protective barriers, proper hand hygiene techniques, and proper waste handling and disposal. The course is designed for those who work with or around patients and those who may be exposed to diseases indirectly, such as laboratory staff, laundry workers, and housekeeping staff.
OHSAH’s infection
control module is in development and is expected to be available by March
2005. For more information,
Reducing
the risk of injury for laundry workers
In 1999, back injuries resulting from overexertion accounted for more than 60% of all Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) claims in BC. From 1995 to 1999, over $3.5 million was paid out by the WCB for laundry-specific healthcare claims. Of 577 disability claims, 491 were caused by overexertion, repetitive motions, and awkward postures (source: WCB of BC, Statistics Department, 2001).
In 2001, OHSAH, in partnership with St. Paul’s Hospital and Campbell River Hospital, put a bagless laundry system in place at these two hospitals for a trial period. A bagless laundry system consists of carts on wheels and a hydraulic lifter that are used to replace the traditional linen bag and chute/cart system. The new laundry system was successful at reducing perceived discomfort, risk of injury, and injury claims costs at both sites.
Now
in 3 Health Authorities!
Blood & Body Fluid (BBF) exposure is of particular concern to healthcare workers due to the risk of contracting infectious disease, such as Hepatitis and HIV. BBF exposure, even when no infection occurs, also triggers high levels of stress for an affected worker. To address these concerns, BBF Exposure Control Plans (ECP) are being rolled out in three health authorities. Vancouver Island Health Authority has implemented an authority-wide BBF ECP, while Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health are currently putting plans in place at pilot sites: Surrey Memorial Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital, respectively.
These projects involve
several steps, including an awareness campaign, risk identification, introduction
of control measures, evaluation of project effectiveness, and assessment
of workers’ perceptions. View updates on the progress of
The Pharmacy Department
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians perform a variety of tasks, but the majority of the workload involves drug dispensing and distribution. Pharmacists and technicians are at risk of MSI from repetition, awkward and static postures, reaching, twisting, and contact stress. The OSHTips section of the OHSAH website contains a literature review and a Q&A to help those working in pharmacies to identify and control their risk of injury.
Visit
Tel: (604) 775 - 4034 or toll free (800) 359 - 6612
Fax: (604) 775 - 4031
Web:
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