When it comes to needles, no matter the size, from the smallest 33-gauge hypodermic needle to the biggest 7-gauge needle, it’s safe to assume that no one wants to accidentally get pricked by one.
Aerial safety goes beyond your standard fall protection. In the past, objects-at-heights hazard planning has been an afterthought — or not even a thought.
“Pinch points” are present in most mechanical devices that, in its operation, might pose a risk of injury to body parts. A pinch point is defined as any point where it is possible for a body part to be caught between moving and stationary portions of equipment. If a worker or any parts of the worker’s body occupies that space during the pinching movement, there is a high probability of injuries such as fractures, amputations, or even death.
Most hand injuries can be prevented by adhering to simple, commonsense guidelines. When using a knife, never cut towards yourself. Protect your other hand by cutting away from your fingers to keep them out of harm’s way.
Imagine life without the use of your hands. Suddenly, basic tasks in the workplace and at home – from operating a torque drill to turning the ignition key in your vehicle – become major obstacles. Clearly, our hands are vital tools for performing a myriad of essential life and work functions, not to mention the fact that they are one of our primary points of contact with the world around us.
-But OSHA can't issue fines to a government agency
January 22, 2014
Workers at a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in Oregon were potentially exposed to infectious diseases and sharps injuries, according to OSHA inspections conducted at the facility in April as part of a Local Emphasis Program. The agency has issued a notice of unsafe and unhealthful working conditions for 17 violations found at the VA's White City Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics facility.
I am Tom Lawrence from the St. Louis, MO area. I have chemical engineering degrees and 43 years’ experience as a safety professional. I am here today to vigorously oppose this proposed regulation.
OSHA has launched a new educational Web resource which has extensive materials to help hospitals prevent worker injuries, assess workplace safety needs, enhance safe patient handling programs, and implement safety and health management systems. The materials include fact books, self-assessments and best practice guides.