OSHA Final Exam

Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens (Bloodborne Pathogens -Healthcare

Exposures to bloodborne pathogens can occur via infection from injections, skin abrasions, mucous membranes, and sexual contact. They are transmitted through potentially infectious materials, including human blood. For healthcare workers, the most common risk of exposure is needle stick injury.

Chemical Container Labels (Hazard Communication)

All hazardous chemicals in the workplace must contain a label that includes critical information you need to identify what the chemical is and the warnings you need to be aware of. The label should be clearly legible and marked on the container.

Emergency Action Plan (Emergency Action Plans and Fire Protection)

An EAP documents what should be done during different types of emergencies. Having a plan in place means that it's less likely injuries or damage will occur during an emergency. It also provides information on post emergency plans and communication. Every employee should be trained on the plan and know their individual responsibilities.

Safety Data Sheets (Hazard Communication)

An SDS is a document that each chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer must provide for each hazardous chemical. It contains detailed information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical. An SDS must be in a uniform format and there must be an SDS for every hazardous chemical in the workplace.

Vaccines (Biological Agents/Infection Control)

As a healthcare worker, you are at risk for acquiring or transmitting bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis B, as a result of contact with your patients or infected material. Using immunizing agents on a regular basis safeguards your health and protects your patients.

Exposure to Bloodeborne Pathogens (Biological Agents/Infection Control)

As a healthcare worker, your everyday duties put you at risk of exposure to becoming infected by biological agents. You can use safer medical devices, work practices, and PPE to protect yourself from blood contact and skin injuries, but remember that sharps-related injuries can occur if the necessary precautions aren't in place. Since exposure to bloodborne pathogens in a healthcare setting is a high risk, it's critical to follow preventative measures to stay safe.

Pictograms (Hazard Communication)

Become familiar with all nine standard pictogram symbols to easily identify the types of hazards in chemicals in your workplace, including those that pose chemical, physical, health, and environmental hazards. Beware that the environmental pictogram is not required according to the GHS so be cautious when using any chemicals in the environment.

Cleaning and Disinfection (Biological Agents/Infection Control)

Cleaning and disinfecting reusable medical tools and areas properly will assist in controlling the transmission of HAIs. Remember that some tools and areas require more disinfection than others, such as surgical instruments or endoscopes.

Shelter-in-Place (Emergency Action Plans and Fire Protection)

During a natural disaster, such as a tornado, or during a man-made event, such as when chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants are released, sheltering-in-place is recommended. During such events, you should follow recommended safety precautions, such as sealing up vents, windows, and doors, seeking refuge in a windowless, interior room, keeping in communication, and monitoring the ongoing situation.

Employer Responsibilities: Ladders (Walking Working Surfaces)

Employers must keep ladders in good condition for their workers to use and must also ensure that their workers use the ladders correctly.

Types of Fire Extinguishers (Emergency Action Plans and Fire Protection)

Fires are classified into five different categories depending on what is burning. There are four types of fire extinguisher. The type of fire extinguisher used to fight a fire depends on the type of fire being fought. There is a standard set of steps to be followed when using a fire extinguisher to fight a fire. Fire extinguishers must be routinely maintained if they are to remain effective.

Fixed Ladders (Walking Working Surfaces)

Fixed ladders are permanently attached to a structure, a building, or equipment. Your employer is required to have ladder safety or personal fall arrest systems for fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet, and any worker ascending these ladders must be a qualified climber with additional training.

Hand Hygiene (Biological Agents/Infection Control)

Good hand hygiene is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of infections. You should cleanse your hands before and after patient contact and after contact with the immediate patient care environment. Remember that alcohol-based hand rubs kill biological agents more effectively and are quicker than handwashing with soap and water. Using appropriate hand hygiene and gloves can be a major contributor to your patients' safety and a reduction in HAIs. Finally, your coworkers, other staff, visitors, and your patients watch what you do. Show your patients that you are serious about their health by practicing good hand hygiene at all times.

The Importance of Good Posture (Ergonomics)

Good posture is one that places the least amount of stress on your muscles and joints. Maintaining good or neutral postures when performing tasks helps prevent injuries from occurring.

Guardrails and Stairs (Walking Working Surfaces)

Guardrails prevent falls by acting as barriers along open sides of stairways, platforms, and other hazards involving floor or wall openings. Your employer is responsible for installing and maintaining any guardrails where you work. Any staircase extending more than 4 steps is required to have a handrail in order to allow you to maintain 3 points of contact while walking along the stairs. Stairs should not be used as a storage area, and you should never carry heavy items while using stairs.

Fire Prevention Plan (Emergency Action Plans and Fire Protection)

Having a fire prevention plan means that because advance planning has taken place, any emergencies should result in few injuries and damage. Fire prevention plans have required elements and they must exist in a written format which employees can be trained on. Understanding the risks and hazards associated with fires assists in preventing accidents occurring in the first place.

Consequences of Workplace Violence (Preventing Workplace Violence -Healthcare)

Healthcare workers experience the most nonfatal workplace violence compared to other professions by a wide margin, but this violence is under-reported and accepted due to cultural factors, cultural bias, reduced funding, and overly complex reporting procedures. Ultimately, however, the consequences of acts of workplace violence against healthcare workers affect the workers themselves, the healthcare profession, healthcare organizations, and patients.

Healthcare-Associated Infections (Biological Agents/Infection Control)

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) are those that develop during hospitalization but are neither present nor incubating upon the patient's admission to the hospital. They are generally infections that occur more than 48 to 72 hours after admission and within 10 days after hospital discharge. HAIs are prevalent in your role, and costly to you and your organization. As a healthcare provider, you have an ethical and professional responsibility to adhere to scientifically-accepted or evidence-based practices and principles of infection control.

In Case of Exposure (Bloodborne Pathogens -Healthcare)

If you are exposed to infectious material via a needlestick or sharps injury or are exposed to blood or other bodily fluids, immediately wash the area with soap and water, flush splashes to the nose, mouth or skin with water, or irrigate the eyes with water, saline or sterile irrigants. Then report the incident to your employer who is required to offer you a cost-free medical evaluation and appropriate testing.

Power Lines and Energized Sources (Avoiding Electrocution Hazards (Healthcare)

In almost all cases, touching power lines or coming into contact with energized sources will result in severe injuries or death.

Exit Routes (Emergency Action Plans and Fire Protection)

In order to ensure safe and timely evacuation in an emergency situation, exit routes must follow strict criteria. Exit routes must be adequately signposted, exit to an outside area, be unlocked, be sufficiently large, as well as being sufficient for the number of people needing to exit during an emergency.

Mechanical Lifting Equipment (Ergonomics)

In order to safely lift patients, recall your four steps: assess the patient, assess the environment, get the necessary equipment, and perform the task safely with your patient and, ideally, a team. Remember there are many types of patient handling equipment to help you with this task and selecting the proper approach will keep you, your patients, and your team members safe.

Safe Lifting (Ergonomics)

In this section, we learned that lifting heavy loads, lifting moderate or lighter loads repetitively, or when in an awkward position can lead to injury. Following safe lifting guidelines can greatly reduce your risk of getting hurt while lifting.

Scaffolds (Walking Working Surfaces)

In this section, we learned that the main causes of deaths and injuries on scaffolds are falls, being struck by objects, electrocution, scaffold collapse and bad planking.

Awkward and Static Postures (Ergonomics)

In this section, we saw that maintaining a static or awkward position for long periods of time can cause injury. There are things that you can do, like changing your workflow, changing your work setup, or using different equipment to help reduce the likelihood of injury.

Doffing PPE

In this section, you saw that there are specific procedures that you must follow when doffing PPE in order to keep you and your patients safe. Not following these procedures exposes you and your patients to infectious materials.

Donning PPE

In this section, you saw that there are specific procedures that you must follow when donning PPE in order to keep you and your patients safe. Not following these procedures exposes you and your patients to infectious materials.

Program Benefits of Ergonomic Safe Patient Handling

Investing in safe patient handling programs, policies, equipment, and training saves money and reduces injuries. Not only that, but it even improves patient care! Patients have fewer falls, skin tears, and pressure ulcers when these programs are implemented correctly.

Whistleblower Protections (Intro to OSHA)

It is illegal for your employer to use disciplinary, incentive, or drug testing programs to prevent you from reporting any job safety and health hazards. If you have been punished or discriminated against for using your rights, you must file a complaint with OSHA within 30 days of the alleged reprisal for most complaints.

Employer Responsibilities (Hazard Communication)

It's your employer's responsibility to develop, implement, and maintain a written hazard communication program. That means keeping a list of all chemicals in the workplace, making sure each chemical has a Safety Data Sheet that is easily accessible, that each container has a label that is not defaced, and that you are trained on the chemicals with which you will be working.

Ladder Safety (Walking Working Surfaces)

Just because ladders are found both at work and at home doesn't mean they're safe. Be sure to use ladders safely by choosing the right ladder for the job, tying the top and bottom of the ladder to fixed points when necessary, and keeping your hands free and always maintaining three points of contact with the ladder while climbing. Remember to never use the top of a step ladder as a step.

Recordkeeping Best Practices (Preventing Workplace Violence -Healthcare)

Just like any other type of injury that occurs on the job, instances of workplace violence should also be recorded. Employers covered by OSHA's regulations must record work-related injuries and illnesses which result in death, days away from work, restricted work, transfer to another job, medical treatment beyond first aid, loss of consciousness, and significant injury or illness.

Infection Transmission (Biological Agents/Infection Control)

Microorganisms are spread through direct or indirect contact, respiratory droplet transmission, or through airborne methods. However, the spread may be controlled through implementing universal precautions. Standard Precautions are a set of infection control practices that healthcare personnel use to reduce transmission of microorganisms in healthcare settings. You should use Standard Precautions even if you think a patient doesn't have an infectious disease. In other words, Standard Precautions should be used for all patients, all the time.

Sources of Infections (Biological Agents/Infection Control)

Microorganisms are typically single-celled and include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Knowing what microorganisms are and how they are spread through the chain of infection is the first step in being able to control transmission. Remember that the chain of infection consists of an infectious disease, a reservoir, a portal of exit, a mode of transmission, a portal of entry, and a susceptible host.

HAZCOM Basics (Hazard Communication)

Now that you have learned a few of the basics, remember that any chemical in the workplace can potentially enter your body through inhalation, ingestion, injection, or absorption. Some chemicals can cause short term exposure effects, while others can cause chronic exposure that lasts years.

Inspection Process (Intro to OSHA)

OSHA enforces standards through inspections, prioritizing the most dangerous workplaces. Inspections follow a standard process, consisting of an opening conference, a walkthrough, and a closing conference. Workers have the right to participate in the inspection to point out safety and health issues in the workplace. They also have the right to participate in any meetings related to the inspection and can object to the date set for the violation to be corrected and be notified if they employer files a contest.

OSHA Standards (Intro to OSHA)

OSHA standards are rules that describe the methods that employers must use to protect their employees from hazards. These standards limit the amount of hazardous chemicals workers can be exposed to, require the use of certain safe practices and equipment, and require employers to monitor hazards and keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses.

Worker Resources (Intro to OSHA)

There are many resources available to workers who want to find out more information about safety or health issues both inside and outside of their workplace. These include but are not limited to: safety data sheets (SDSs), labels and warning signs, NIOSH, health care providers, and OSHA.

Employer Responsibilities (Avoiding Electrocution Hazards (Healthcare)

OSHA's standards require your employer to ensure that lighting, equipment, motors, machines, appliances, switches, controls and enclosures are constructed and installed to minimize electrical dangers.

Musculoskeletal Disorders (Ergonomics)

Poor ergonomics can lead to musculoskeletal disorders which can affect almost every part of your body including muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, and tendons. Injuries are caused by exerting excessive force, working in awkward positions for long periods, repeatedly performing the same tasks, localized pressure, cold temperatures, vibration, or a combination of exposure to several risk factors. Knowing the risk factors for each task helps you reduce the likelihood of getting injured.

Slip and Trip Hazards (Walking Working Surfaces)

Poor housekeeping creates additional slip and trip hazards. Employers are responsible for maintaining the work area, but you have a responsibility to follow your employer's guidelines. In some cases, the work area has some slip and trip hazards which cannot be removed, and workers must use the correct footwear and be aware of their surroundings in order to remain safe.

Respiratory Hygiene (Biological Agents/Infection Control)

Promoting and practicing proper respiratory hygiene will help prevent the transmission of infection in the healthcare setting. Remember, the more you contact surfaces in and around your patients' environment, the more you will need to engage in hand hygiene, especially during seasonal outbreaks of some types of biological agents, such as the flu.

Healthcare Lifting Injuries (Ergonomics Safe Patient Handling)

Remember, the pushing and pulling action regularly performed during the re-positioning of patients is the most commonly cited single cause of occupational injuries in the healthcare sector today. Patient handling ergonomics seeks to maximize the safety and comfort of patients during handling by using proper equipment and techniques in these situations.

Effects of Repetitive Motion, Localized Pressure, and Vibration (Ergonomics)

Repetitive motions, prolonged exposure to vibration, and positions that expose you to long periods of localized pressure, all put you at risk for injury. Using tools to reduce the need to perform repetitive actions, using low vibration tools, and using ergonomic props all reduce the likelihood of injury. Rotating tasks and taking breaks can also lessen the chance of injury.

Right to Know (Hazard Communication)

The Right to Know law requires anyone who produces or uses chemicals to provide you with the right information to know how to protect yourself, including the potential harm each chemical can do to you. The standard ways of communicating chemical information are safety data sheets and labels. Your employer must also maintain a list of all chemicals you may be exposed to AND provide training to minimize exposure to these chemicals.

Reporting Hazards (Intro to OSHA)

The first action to report a safety hazard should be to contact your team leader, supervisor, manager, safety committee, etc. You may file a report online, in person, by fax or mail, or after a phone conversation. Serious hazards almost always result in a site inspection, as do complaints that are written, signed, and submitted to the OSHA area or State Plan office. Complaints that are submitted online, over the phone, or are not serious hazards will be resolved over the phone. It is recommended that all forms be fully completed and signed.

OSHA's Mission (Intro to OSHA)

The mission of OSHA is to save lives, prevent injuries and protect the health of America's workers. The OSH Act states that workers have the right to a safe workplace and that it is the employer's responsibility to provide safe and healthy workplaces.

Common Bloodborne Disease Risks (Bloodborne Pathogens -Healthcare

The most common bloodborne pathogens are HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Exposures to these diseases can occur via (1) a skin injury or (2) contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin with blood, tissue, or other bodily fluids.

Sequences for Donning and Removing PPE

The order in which you don or doff items of PPE makes a difference. While the order may vary based on the patient care task being performed, generally you put on your gown first, then your mask, then your goggles, then your gloves. When removing PPE, you start by removing gloves, then eye protection, then gown, and finally your mask or respirator.

PPE Types

There are multiple types of PPE used in the healthcare setting, including gloves, boot covers, aprons or isolation gowns, goggles and face shields, masks and respirators. All PPE creates a barrier between you, the healthcare worker, and any infectious agents, providing protection to both you and your patients.

Major Electrical Hazards (Avoiding Electrocution Hazards (Healthcare)

There are several types of electrical hazards, all of which can cause injury or death. For this reason, you need to be aware of the dangers involved with working around electricity.

Protection Against Electrical Hazards

There are several ways you can be protected from electrical hazards. These are using tools and power cords safely, understanding how a GFCI can protect you, and following lockout/tagout procedures.

Safe Injection Practices (Bloodborne Pathogens -Healthcare

Using safe injection practices will help to keep you and your patients safe. Remember that once you use a needle, a syringe, an IV tube, and one or more medication bags, all of these are considered contaminated. Also, just because you don't see any blood in used IV tubing or injection equipment doesn't eliminate contamination risk. Single-use injection devices should never be used for more than one patient

Evacuation (Emergency Action Plans and Fire Protection)

While many different types of emergencies require evacuation, the decision to evacuate is dependent on factors such as of the extent or location of the emergency or even the type of building in which it is occurring. Your employer should have a plan in place regarding the expected evacuation plans or fire fighting expectations and ensure that all employees are aware of both evacuation plans and what to do once the emergency has passed.

Types of Workplace Violence (Preventing Workplace Violence -Healthcare)

Workplace violence can be broken down into four types: criminal intent, client-on-worker, worker-on-worker, and personal relationship. In the healthcare industry, the most common types are client-on-worker and worker-on-worker. Remember that workplace violence doesn't just consist of physical threats: it also includes verbal outbursts and passive activities, such as refusing to perform certain tasks or quietly exhibiting uncooperative attitudes. Violence and incivility between hospital employees can contribute to turnover of top performers, hinder effective teamwork, and jeopardize the quality of patient care.

Protecting Yourself from Workplace Violence (Preventing Workplace Violence -Healthcare)

You can protect yourself by actively participating in any training or violence prevention programs offered by your employer, dressing for safety, and being aware of your working environment. Be aware of individuals' behaviors, as these can tip you off that an attack or outburst might be imminent. If you find yourself in a situation that you think might be escalating, you can use verbal and non-verbal tactics to lessen the likelihood of a situation becoming violent. Remember: if a situation seems unsafe, remove yourself from it and follow your organization's guidelines and protocols.

Reducing Exposure Risks (Bloodborne Pathogens -Healthcare

You can protect yourself from exposure to bloodborne pathogens by treating all body fluid as infectious, wearing PPE, disposing of PPE correctly, keeping your hands clean, and avoiding eating, drinking, applying cosmetics or contact lenses around potential bloodborne pathogens. Sharps, such as needles, must be disposed of in a designated sharps container. Sharps containers must be emptied by professional biohazard removal services. Never empty a sharps container yourself.

Selecting and Using PPE in Healthcare

You should always assume that an infectious agent could be present in a patient's blood or body fluids. Therefore, you must always follow Standard Precautions, including wearing the appropriate PPE and ensuring that it is in good condition. The type of PPE you choose depends on the type of anticipated exposure, durability and appropriateness, and fit.

Employer Responsibilities Blood Born Pathogens (Healthcare)

You, as a worker, have legal protections against health hazards related to bloodborne pathogens. Among other things, these protections require that employers provide PPE, use controls to prevent injury, label hazards correctly, and provide Hepatitis B vaccinations, as well as free medical evaluations should an injury involving bloodborne pathogens occur.

Workers' Rights and Responsibilities (Intro to OSHA)

You, the worker, must follow occupational safety and health standards and rules that apply to your workplace. You have the right to: a safe and healthful workplace, knowledge of hazardous conditions, information on any injuries or illnesses in your workplace, complain or request hazard correction from your employer, training as provided in the OSHA standards, hazard exposure and medical records, the ability to file a complaint with OSHA, participate in an OSHA inspection, and freedom from retaliation for exercising your safety and health rights.

Employer Responsibilities for PPE

Your employer is responsible for conducting a hazard assessment at your workplace, selecting and providing the appropriate PPE for the hazard present, making sure the PPE fits you properly and you know how and when to use it, and training you on the limitations of your PPE as well as how to care for and dispose of it.

Employer Responsibilities: Fall Hazards (Walking Working Surfaces)

Your employer is responsible for providing working conditions which are free from fall dangers, including keeping floors and work areas in a clean and sanitary condition. Your employer is also required to provide PPE at no cost to you and to train you about the job hazards in a language you can understand.

Employer Responsibilities (Intro to OSHA)

Your employer must follow OSHA's standards. This means that your employer is responsible for providing you, the worker, with training required by OSHA standards, a workplace free of recognized hazards, medical exams when required by OSHA standards, and access to your exposure and medical records. Additionally, your employer must keep records of illnesses and injuries, not discriminate against workers exercising their rights, post OSHA citations and abatement notices, and provide and pay for PPE.

Impacts on Program Policies and Practices (Ergonomics)

Your safe patient handling initiative may be impacted by personnel factors, patient-related factors, environmental factors, or equipment factors. However, when properly implemented, it will result in a safer and happier patient care environment.