Transforming a hospital safety and ergonomics program: a four year journey of change

The conception of “Patient Safety” being the number one priority at Hospitals can reduce the emphasis on overall employee safety and health. This review examines a hospital’s need to improve 24/7 active (i.e., not reactive) coverage, regulatory compliance, as well as the frequency and severity of em...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Work (Reading, Mass.) Mass.), 2012, Vol.41 (S1), p.5912-5916
Main Authors: Missar, Vicki J., Metcalfe, Don, Gilmore, Gail
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acute Disease
Ergonomics
Hospitals
Humans
Occupational Health - standards
Organizational Innovation
Program Evaluation
Risk Management
Safety Management
Systems Integration
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Summary:The conception of “Patient Safety” being the number one priority at Hospitals can reduce the emphasis on overall employee safety and health. This review examines a hospital’s need to improve 24/7 active (i.e., not reactive) coverage, regulatory compliance, as well as the frequency and severity of employee injury losses. It also discusses a journey to integrate and improve safety and ergonomics to achieve these goals. Three approaches used by the ergonomist to create the transformation included: 1) adoption of the safety and ergonomic hazard identification; 2) safe patient handling; and 3) implementation of a 5S program. The results of the four (4) year effort at the not for profit, 637 bed, full service, acute-care hospital has shown a steady decline in frequency, reduced waste, and improved housekeeping. Ergonomists can have a key role in transforming Hospital Safety and Ergonomic Programs.
ISSN:1051-9815
1875-9270
DOI:10.3233/WOR-2012-0988-5912