Agency updates tool for health care industry to help workers avoid injuries

Employers and employees in the health care industry stand to benefit from an updated tool created by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The agency recently updated its hospital eTool on its Web site to include sonography and other surgical modules.

"These new and updated modules are examples of the many resources developed through our alliances that address common hazards in the health care industry," said Edwin G. Foulke Jr., assistant secretary of labor for OSHA. "We will continue our mission of providing useful information to ensure employees remain safe and healthy while on the job."

Employees face many occupational safety and health hazards while working in a hospital. OSHA originally developed the hospital eTool with modules describing common hazards and possible solutions for tasks performed in administration, central supply, clinical services, dietary, emergency, engineering, heliport operations, housekeeping, laboratories, laundry, pharmacy, the intensive care unit, and the surgical suite.

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The sonography module provides guidance on how sonographers -- medical professionals who use high frequency ultrasound to create diagnostic images -- can reduce their risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The surgical module now features updated information on bloodborne pathogens, waste anesthetic gases, laser safety, and other topics related to workplace safety and health in surgical suites.

OSHA's eTools are stand-alone, Web-based training tools on occupational safety and health topics. The agency developed the most recent resource with input from the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Association of Occupational Health Professionals, American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Laser Institute of America, American Biological Safety Association, Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses, and the Joint Commission Resources.

November 4, 2008

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