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individual collection canisters, the handling and disposal of which carry spill-
and-slip risks, not to mention ergonomic and exposure hazards. We've looked
into portable collection and disposal units and automated direct-to-drain sys-
tems, however, and know that there are safer alternatives out there.
Do your part
The primary goal of remodeling our ORs was to upgrade our surgical capabili-
ties and attract new surgeons with bigger, brighter rooms and state of the art
equipment. It was no secret, however, that renovation also presented us with an
opportunity to create a safer workplace.
Keeping your employees safe against on-the-job hazards is a battle with
many fronts. If you're not planning a remodeling project, it might not happen
all at once, and even if you are, you might not be able to implement every
safety initiative at the same time. But continue to assess workplace hazards in
the OR and keep walkways clear of obstructions and spills. Even the smallest
steps can make a huge difference.
OSM
Ms. Halverson (dhalverson@cherokeermc.org) is nurse
manager for the surgery department and emergency
department at Cherokee (Iowa) Regional Medical Center.
