Tuberculosis (TB) is on the decline in theUnited States.  However, there is cause for concern, with 11,182 TB cases reported in theU.S.(2010) and from multidrug-resistant and extensively drug resistant TB cases.  Health care settings are among the workplaces where there … Continue reading →

Today’s health care employers and employees are concerned about workplace violence.  The conflict triggering violent behavior may stem from the client, patient or customer; family member or significant other; a current or former employee; or a stranger.  The particular health … Continue reading →

Natural rubber latex is a milky fluid found in rubber trees. The problem some individuals experience stems from a contaminating protein in the rubber causing allergic and/or contact dermatitis reactions when skin contact occurs.  Latex also can become airborne when … Continue reading →

An awareness of hazards to note and knowledge of corresponding action plans can greatly benefit you.  You may be able to avoid some (depending on your specific duties) or greatly limit the potential hazard you face.  Consider the following:    … Continue reading →

This condensed outline shows the basic framework of a control program for occupational bloodborne pathogens (BBP) exposure.  Its purpose is to give all employees a better understanding of how their role fits into the program.  Exposure Control Plan   For … Continue reading →

A recent study found about 35% of nurses and 6.4% of aides had experiencedat least 1 sharps injury during their home health care career;corresponding figures for other blood and body fluid exposureswere 15.1% and 6.7%, respectively. The procedures contributing to … Continue reading →

Slips and trips are the second most common cause of injury in health care. Each year, slips and trips account for 10% of all injuries to health care workers. Food service workers are at greatest risk of sustaining an injury … Continue reading →