Improving Physical, Mental, And Emotional Health In The Workplace

Work health is important because it’s the law. More and more companies notice that productivity loss is the result of declining health of their employees. Not only should employees’ physical health be in check, but their mental and emotional health, too.

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Occupational health and safety endeavors promote and cultivate a healthy and safe work environment for all persons in the work field. Other than helping protect employers and employees, these advocacies also look after other persons who might possibly be affected in the workplace environment. In the United States, “occupational health and safety” refers to occupational health and occupational and non-occupational safety, including activities outside the workplace. 

A 60 percent decrease in workplace deaths and a 40 percent downturn in workplace illnesses and injuries were noted since the implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Now, organizations work toward providing their employees with avenues that proactively support physical and mental health to promote engagement and increase productivity, and as a result, reducing absenteeism in the workplace. 

Companies must make a conscious effort to reduce workplace anxiety triggers, help their staff improve their resilience, coping skills, and physical and mental well-being, guide them in building their own health awareness, encourage them to become more physically active, and assist them in choosing healthier options. Another thing that organizations are doing to improve their employees’ holistic health is providing them access to devices for managing personal, relational, financial, and other challenges. 

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Captain Martin Sanders has more than 12 years of service in the occupational safety and health sector. He possesses extensive experience in biological defense activities and infectious disease outbreak investigation. For similar reads, subscribe to his blog.

Clean Hands: The Importance Of Hand Hygiene

A great way to prevent infections is through hand hygiene, since many serious infections are caused by pathogens spread through skin to skin contact. While described by many healthcare workers as the single most important preventive act against the proliferation of infections, hand hygiene isn’t always done right—even by medical professionals.

They are invisible to the naked eye, yet pathogens can lurk in every area of a home or a hospital. Keeping the hands clean is important as merely touching objects may initiate or spread infections, especially when these are contaminated with organisms like Salmonella, E coli O157, and norovirus, which can be found in human and animal feces. This is particularly important in settings where immunocompromised persons reside or are treated.

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The concept of hand hygiene was first introduced by Ignaz P. Semmelweis, a Hungarian physicist. He found that when physicians washed their hands before delivering babies, deaths among postpartum women were prevented. At first, Semmelweis was ridiculed, but his observation was later on recognized to be true. Upon his observation, numerous studies were conducted that have confirmed the role healthcare workers’ hands assume in the transmission of pathogens in the healthcare setting.

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The World Health Organization has outlined the five moments of hand hygiene. These are: before patient contact; before aseptic task; after bodily fluid exposure; after patient contact; and after contact with patient surroundings. While hand hygiene concerns those in the field of healthcare the most, everyone is encouraged to keep their hands clean to prevent the spread of infections that are spread by people’s mundane actions.

Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D. is an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. He obtained his degree in zoology from the University of California, Davis in 1990 and obtained his Ph.D. from the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the John Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health in 1997. Learn more about Captain Martin Sanders by visiting this page.

Enforcing a systematic emergency response plan for laboratories

Laboratories must have an emergency response plan that is systematic, understandable, and doable. In drafting an emergency response plan, here are some considerations:

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The location of emergency medication and equipment

First aid kits, medication, emergency shower, eyewash, spill kit, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and other needs must be in a nearby and accessible area. There should be a sign that point to the location so that even those who are not familiar with the area will be able to find these items. In addition, laboratory workers must know how to apply or use these items.

Emergency exits and evacuation plans

Aside from posting a map at the entrance and exit of each room, it's also important to bring laboratory workers to where these places are. In times of emergencies, one can become disoriented. Knowing where these exits are can help people escape faster. As for evacuation plans, it's important to have a guide where people can relocate when an emergency occurs. This will make for easier regrouping and crisis management. Having one evacuation route may not be enough. There should be at least two options as to where people can find safety.

Trained first responders

There are people in the laboratory who have been trained in first aid and disaster preparedness. These people can be put in charge of the laboratory's emergency response team. Since they have the know-how and certification, they'll be able to help their co-workers find safety when needed. The whole laboratory must be aware of the people they can rely on during emergencies. The safety of everyone in the area should always be a top priority. Having a systematic emergency response plan that is easy to follow and remember can help prevent the damages when crises arise.

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Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., is a scientist officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. He has more than 12 years of service in the field of epidemiology and occupational safety and health, with extensive experience in biological defense activities and infectious disease outbreak investigation. Visit this page for more information on Capt. Sanders.

Basic occupational health and safety info for healthcare workers

There are millions of healthcare workers employed all over the world who constantly encounter multiple work-related hazards that may include any number of biological, chemical, physical, and psychosocial dangers and risks. Illnesses contracted and injuries sustained by workers in this industry could even be significantly higher than those in other sectors, including construction. 

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Homecare workers are also exposed to these hazards. Healthcare facilities do not only hire medical practitioners. Maintenance workers, staff, and other nonmedical employees are also susceptible to numerous occupational risks. It is often overlooked that healthcare workers and facility staff are not immunologically superior compared to the rest of the workforce. They should have the same rights as anyone when it comes to measures in place, financially and legally, that could protect them from the dangers in the workplace and remunerate them accordingly if in case they suffer work-related injuries. 

Basic health and safety protocols must be followed to avoid accidents. Pathogens can easily be transmitted from patients to medical personnel, so there must be enough protection. Immunization for workers should also be considered. They should be equipped with gears and appropriate hospital wear to prevent direct contact with fluids. Handling of chemicals will necessitate the use of protective apparel as well. 

Proper disposal of hospital waste and sharp implements must be observed always. There should be a facility-wide understanding of procedures. Other than diseases that could easily be contracted in such a workplace, physical injuries also abound. Proper gadgets and accessibility devices must be utilized to avoid musculoskeletal traumas and other problems. 

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Captain Martin Sanders, Ph.D., is an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. He serves as the Director of Safety, Environmental Compliance and Emergency Management of the Federal Occupational Health, Program Support Center, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration. To know more about his professional work and affiliations, visit this page.