Environmental services staff members provide valuable services to hospitals, but those services pose a great risk to them. It’s crucial that they’re provided with safe working conditions that help to minimize the hazards they’re dealing with.
There are several situations that these hospital workers might come across that can lead to injuries. Understanding these can help them to remain safe while they’re working. Hospitals should have proper protocols in place, and there should also be training provided.
Trip-and-slip hazards
There are a lot of trip-and-slip hazards in hospitals. Tubes and wires for patient care are often on the floor, so workers have to be careful around those. The floors are often wet with bodily fluids and from the water used for cleaning up spills. Wearing non-slip shoes can help minimize this hazard.
Sharps exposure
Sharps, which include needles and other instruments, can puncture the skin. This can lead to injuries, but it can also result in exposure to disease-ridden bodily fluids. These items should always be placed in the proper disposal containers, but be vigilant about watching for them as rooms are cleaned.
Biohazards
Biohazards, including bodily fluids and pathogens, are a huge risk for these workers. They can contract communicable illnesses from these. In some cases, lifelong diseases are transmitted through these biohazards.
Any injured hospital workers should ensure they get medical care to address the injuries. Workers’ compensation should cover the related costs. There’s a chance you’ll have to fight for the full benefits you’re due to receive, so be sure you have someone on your side who can help.