Commitment To Safety

Safety is no accident. The success of this program will depend upon the involvement of each employee. Our primary goal is to establish the expectation that it is the responsibility of all personnel to create and maintain a safe work environment for themselves, co-workers and patients. We believe in promoting a culture of safety with an emphasis on awareness and a commitment to safe-work practices.

In order for Suwannee Medical Personnel to achieve our goals, we have developed a workplace safety program outlining the policies and procedures regarding employee health and safety. Each and every individual must become familiar with the program, follow the procedures and become an active participant in fostering a safe workplace for all.

It is the intent of Suwannee Medical Personnel to provide a safe environment for all employees. It is also our intent to properly manage any incidents that occur so as to minimize injury and other forms of loss. A well- managed workplace safety program can benefit our company and its people in countless ways.

We look forward to your participation and cooperation

BACK TALK

Back Pain is second only to the common cold on the list of reasons Americans go to the doctor. In fact, healthcare workers including RN'S, LPN'S and CNA'S have the highest occurence of back related injuries in the country. Sprains and strains are preventable, unfortunately most people don't worry about their back until it's already hurting them.

Eighty percent of back injuries in the healthcare profession are attributed to patient handling. Studies show that popular techniques for patient handling violate many principles of body mechanics, and therefore, when performing these lifts, the caregiver is extremely vulnerable to strain or sprain injuries in the back. Repeated incorrect lifting can result in a variety of injuries. Back strain is the most common and results from overstretching muscles. Using safe-lifting techniques can help reduce the possibility of injuries.

The goal of safe lifting is to maintain your back's natural posture during the lift or transfer. Your back forms three natural curves: one in the neck, the middle of the back and the lower back. Maintaining these curves in your posture while lifting minimizes pressure on your discs and maximizes strength.

No single lifting technique applies to all situations, but the tips listed will help you avoid back injuries during any type of life.

* SIZE UP PATIENT OR LOAD

* ASK FOR HELP IF NEEDED

* GET A FIRM FOOTING

* BEND AT YOUR KNEES

* GET A GOOD GRIP

* LET YOUR LEGS DO THE WORK

* NEVER TWIST YOUR BODY

SLIPS AND FALLS

Approximately 13% of all worker's compensation cases are due to injuries sustained from falling or slipping on the job. It is important top spot unsafe conditions which may lead to slips and falls and prevent them when they happen. Always, clear your walk path. Be alert for water, grease, oil, food or other debris on the floor. Many items can become tripping hazards. Trash in walkways, extension cords, tools and carts can create hazards. Slips and falls occur daily as a result of inattention to or lack of concentration. We can minimize these accidents and injuries practicing safely.

TIPS TO PREVENT SLIPS

* BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR UNSAFE CONDITIONS

* WATCH OUT FOR FOREIGN SUBSTANCES ON THE FLOOR

* WEAR PROPER FOOT GEAR

* WALK SAFELY, DELIBERATELY AVOIDING SHARP CHANGES IN DIRECTION.

* CLEAN FOOTWEAR UPON ENTERING A BUILDING DURING WET WEATHER.

* ALWAYS USE HAND RAILS ON STAIRS OR RAMPS

* ASK FOR HELP WHEN A LOAD IS TOO HEAVY OR BULKY

Clients and Employees needing assistance with workers' compensation claims, or have questions concerning professional liability insurance, please feel free to email me or call my direct line @ 877-496-3034 EXT. 107

Suwannee Safety guides are located in our local branches.

SUWANNEE MEDICAL IS A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE