Objectives

Objectives

Studying and applying the material in this chapter will help you to:

* Understand and explain the importance of environmental safety in maintaining the safety of the health care worker, the patients, and others

* Identify general safety guidelines that will help prevent injuries and accidents in health care facilities

* Describe and give examples of how changes in the physical and mental health of a patient can increase the risk of injuries and accidents

* Define what workplace violence is and discuss preventive measures

* Describe and explain the purpose of an incident report

* Identify the appropriate steps to take in the event of a fire

* Identify the different classes of fire extinguishers and the type of fire on which to use each

* List ways to prevent electrical hazards

* Discuss chemical, radiation, and infectious hazards and the role of the health care worker in their prevention

* Describe the precautions necessary when oxygen is in use

* Explain when an emergency disaster plan would be implemented and define a triage system