Water and other fluids such as bodily fluids on hospital floors can cause a hazard. These spills can cause sprains, strains and fractures as well as present an infection risk. According to the CDC, slip and falls are the second-leading cause of workplace injuries in hospitals. Therefore, hospitals must protect themselves against this kind of accident by maintaining their floors.
The best way to prevent spills in hospitals is to make sure that all hospital departments are trained to deal with these types of situations. A hospital’s hazardous materials response (HMR) team can include representatives of facilities and security departments. Security team members can help to secure spill areas, while facilities/maintenance staff can focus on maintaining air exchange rates. Environmental services staff do not have a direct responsibility for the spill cleanup, but may be able to provide advice and training on spill management. For Spill Kits, contact Hyde Park Environmental
Damaged flooring and walkways pose a slipping hazard for patients and staff. Make sure employees are wearing closed-toed shoes and are aware of the risks. Also, keep your floors free of loose items and cables. They can also be a tripping hazard. Make sure employees are aware of any hazards by placing warning signs on wet floors.
During the process of identifying and preventing spills, hospital staff should follow a comprehensive spill response plan. This plan includes paging housekeeping and placing an absorbent spill mat on the spill. The COSHH guidelines also offer suggestions on how to address common hazards.