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 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.
Aon Global Risk Consulting, 2711 N. Haskell Avenue, Dallas, TX 75204 USA.
Vicki J
VJ
Missar
Don
D
Metcalfe
Gail
G
Gilmore
D000208:Acute Disease; D006804:Ergonomics; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000592:standards; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012308:Risk Management; D017751:Safety Management; D018511:Systems Integration