National Emphasis Program—Nursing and Residential Care Facilities

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A three-year enforcement effort focused on ergonomic issues at nursing homes and residential care facilities was announced April 5 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
In addition to looking for problems involving ergonomics, such as lifting patients, and bloodborne pathogens, OSHA compliance officers will check for strategies designed to prevent workplace violence, tuberculosis, and falls, according to the program directive.
The scope of an inspection can be expanded if other hazards, such as exposure to multi-drug resistant organisms and dangerous chemicals, are found.
The national emphasis program, CPL 03-00-016, became effective with the announcement. 
It covers establishments in three North American Industry Classification System categories:
• nursing care facilities (623110),
• residential mental retardation facilities (623210), and

• continuing care retirement communities (623311).

Exposure for Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure

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Via the CDC:

A dedicated and hard-working nurse is going through a normal shift. Checking vital signs, updating medical records, administering medications, comforting patients, drawing blood samples, inserting IVs, and then OUCH! What just happened? Is that a red dot underneath the glove? This can’t be right…

From the NIOSH Science Blog.

New York State Safe Patient Handling Conference – October 18 and 19, 2011

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The New York State Safe Patient Handling Conference is October 18 and 19, 2011 in Albany, NY. According to the New York State Department of Labor, this conference:

. …will give you knowledge and skills that will benefit you at work. We will introduce you to the latest technology and best practices to improve how you interact with patients. By sharing knowledge and resources, we can keep both patients and caregivers safe and healthy….

Click here for registration and the Conference agenda.

Hope to see you there!

Albany, New York October 18-19, 2011: 5th Annual Safe Patient Handling Conference

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From the good folks at the New York State Department of Labor, check out the 5th Annual Safe Patient Handling Conference in Albany on October 18th and 19:

Welcome to the 5th Annual Safe Patient Handling Conference, jointly sponsored by the New York State Department of Labor and the New York State Zero-Lift Task Force.

Whether you are an experienced healthcare worker or just beginning your career, this conference will give you knowledge and skills that will benefit you at work. We will introduce you to the latest technology and best practices to improve how you interact with patients. By sharing knowledge and resources, we can keep both patients and caregivers safe and healthy.

For information on Continuing Education credits available, check out the NYS Department of Labor Education Credits page here.