Medical Center Occupational Health Basics-Handout: Physical, Radiologic, and Chemical Hazards- Ergo & ALARA & STELs Oh My

Handout: Physical, Radiologic, and Chemical Hazards- Ergo & ALARA & STELs Oh My

Pdf Summary

The document titled "Physical, Radiologic, and Chemical Hazards: Ergo & ALARA & STELS – Oh My!" by Lori Rolando MD, focuses on identifying and mitigating various workplace hazards within medical and clinical settings. The key hazards discussed are ergonomic, radiologic, and chemical.

<strong>Ergonomic Hazards</strong>: The emphasis is on designing workplaces to fit the worker, thus reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, which are common and costly. Ergonomic approaches include patient handling, ultrasounds, and housekeeping, requiring a multi-faceted approach involving risk identification, employee training, hazard control, and continuous program evaluation.

<strong>Radiologic Hazards</strong>: This section raises concerns about both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation, which can break bonds and create ions, is common in diagnostic imaging and nuclear pharmacies, and is regulated to keep exposure as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Non-ionizing radiation, which includes radiowaves and UV light, poses thermal risks and requires specific safety measures, particularly when using lasers and MRI machines.

<strong>Chemical Hazards</strong>: These involve potential exposure to hazardous substances such as ethylene oxide, glutaraldehyde, and formaldehyde, which can have severe acute and chronic health impacts. Protocols include monitoring exposure levels, using personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency planning, and routine medical surveillance to mitigate risks.

Each section underscores the importance of adhering to OSHA standards, maintaining preventive measures, and actively involving both management and staff in implementing safety programs. Furthermore, encouragement of early reporting and rigorous training enhances overall workplace safety and health outcomes. The document is profoundly oriented towards fostering a safer work environment through proactive measures and continuous vigilance.

Keywords

ergonomic hazards

radiologic hazards

chemical hazards

musculoskeletal injuries

ALARA

ionizing radiation

non-ionizing radiation

personal protective equipment

OSHA standards

workplace safety