1. Toxic chemicals
2. Lead
3. Asbestos
4. Cotton dust
5. Pesticides
6. Noise
OSHA’s ( Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard) were developed in 1991
– reduce employee risks of pathogen caused by diseases such as Hepatitis B and AIDS
Pathogen – is a disease causing microorganism
Role of Medical Assistant:
1. Medical Assistant need to be aware of and trained in general and medical safety procedures.
2. Essential for Medical Assistant to report any unsafe conditions to the proper person(s) immediately and follow all office safety rules.
General & Medical SAfety Procedures:
1. Lower the potential for harm to employees
2. The public
3. It will keep liability for injuries resulting from unsafe practices to a minimum
Personal Safety Measures
1. Avoid loose and baggy clothing that could get caught in equipment
2. Keep jewelry to a minimum (it can get caught in equipment & may harbor bacteria)
3. Wear shoes that are supportive and appropriate
4. Secure long hair back, as it can get caught in equipment
5. Store all personal items, such as your medication & jewelry in a secure area away from patients
Body mechanics:
1. Caring for patients or careful in moving
2. Lifting supplies & equipments
3. Proper body mechanics
Vital job of MA
1. MA must know how to lift
2. MA must know how to carry
3. MA must know how to move to protect herself from injury
An example:
1. Before lifting check the object to be lifted
2. Make sure floor is clean and dry where you are going to lift
3. Face the object, move your feet apart to a distance equal to your shoulder width and put one foot slightly forward
4. Bend at the knees then firmly grasp the object with both hands
5. Tighten your stomach muscles and keep your back straight
6. Lift the objec with your legs. This technique uses the stronger leg muscles to lift rather than the weaker back muscles.
7. If you need to turn, use your whole body
8. Seek help if object is heavy
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