You may recall that L&I published its first report on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) as required by RCW 49.17.520, titled, Industries and Risk Classifications Eligible for Ergonomic Rulemaking: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (wa.gov). Long-term care is an industry that can be regulated but it is low on the list. This means that while L&I is […]
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The Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) ended April 10 at midnight. This means the Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA) is no longer in effect. COVID-19 Guidance in the Workplace This changes COVID-19 requirements for most employers in the group. Employers with 50 or more employees on site no longer have to track positive
COVID-19 Workplace Requirements & Claims – After April 10, 2023 Read More »
Tips for avoiding needle stick injuries The OSHA standard for blood-borne pathogens requires that any employee exposed to blood, or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), follow proper safety precautions when working with needles and other possible contaminated sharps as part of their job duty. A needle stick or cut from a contaminated sharp is one
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While it does not take an altered state for a resident to become combative, altered states frequently contribute to resident agitation and combative behavior. Knowing how to approach, how to distract and redirect and how to respond when nothing seems to work can keep you and your co-workers safe. The WorkSafeBC | Working with Dementia
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OSHA has implemented a focused inspection initiative to supplement the COVID-19 National Emphasis Program (NEP) issued last year. The NEP includes all industries with high exposure to COVID-19. This current initiative, to be conducted from March 9, 2022, through June 9, 2022, focuses specifically on healthcare – including skilled nursing and assisted living – and focuses mostly
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Residents with limited mobility pose significant hazards to care partners during transfers. There are some helpful resident transfer tools available, such as transfer sliding boards and pivot discs, when mechanical lifts are not an option. Ideally a mechanical lift is used for non-weight bearing residents. However, not all residents and not all facilities can afford
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Myth Busters: Facts for Safe Patient Handling Proper body mechanics aren’t always enough to ensure safe resident handling. Mechanical lifts and other tools are available for a wide variety of applications, but many worries surround their use. Addressing these worries with facts can help bring staff on board with the proper use of lifting aids.
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Employers are increasingly utilizing temporary or float-pool staffing companies to fill shifts. As a result, we are seeing an increase in injury claims for temporary workers and the following trend: The Injured worker names the location where they are injured as their employer, rather than the temporary staffing company. If the location is named instead
Temporary Workers / Injury Claims Read More »
Temporary Enforcement Guidance Annual Fit-Testing, Respiratory Protection and Face Coverings during COVID-19 Pandemic, DOSH Directive 11.80, is still the latest word on fit testing, and the annual requirement is back in effect as of 1/1/22. Fit testing must be completed under four circumstances: initially (upon hire or prior to first exposure); annually; change of face that
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Floor mats and runners can be excellent additions to slip-and-fall prevention programs. By removing excess moisture and debris from shoes in areas such as entryway mats and runners, you can reduce the likelihood of slips. However, to provide adequate protection, the appropriate mat or runner must be used, placed correctly and adequately maintained. Download a
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