Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheung WC(1), Ho KWE(1), Wong CL(1), Tsang WY(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Medicine & Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
Regular safety inspections are crucial to monitor environmental factors like cleanliness and occupational safety and health (OSH) practices. To enhance a safer clinical working environment and prevent workplace injuries, comprehensive safety walkthroughs has been implemented in the medical ward regularly, leveraging standardized assessment tools.
Objectives :
• Increase Hazard Identification: Foster a proactive and systemic approach to identifying and reporting OSH hazards in the medical ward. • Prevent Workplace Incidents: Reduce preventable workplace incidents related to OSH concerns. • Enhanced Safety Culture: Cultivate a culture of safety that promotes continuous improvement and shared responsibility among staff.
Methodology :
The assessment team, comprising of the Ward Manager, Advanced Practice Nurses, and OSH team member conducted quarterly safety walkthroughs from June to December 2024. After each walkthrough, follow-up actions will be implemented immediately. The Human-Machine-Method-Environment(HMME) Framework was applied to identify and address risks systematically across six key domains within the medical ward. The walkthrough with detailed inspection covered all areas in the ward, from front door to back door, including patient rooms and cubicles. The framework assessed safety in the following domains: 1. Fire Safety(focusing on knowledge of safety protocols, fire safety equipment maintenance, fire safety plan updates, and clear exits with visible signage) 2. Chemical Safety (covering safe chemical handling and storage practices, PPE availability, clear procedures for chemical use, disposal and spill response, and dedicated storage areas) 3. Manual Handling Operations (addressing equipment operation competency, maintenance, transfer protocols, and safe load labelling) 4. Slip, Trip, Fall & Strike Prevention (including hazard reporting, wire management, 5S housekeeping, and area inspections) 5. Sharps Safety (encompassing sharps handling knowledge, disposal systems and protocols, and designated areas) 6. Display Screen Equipment (covering ergonomic practices, equipment functionality, Standardized workstation setup guidelines, and workspace optimization)
Result & Outcome :
Regular inspections fostered compliance to safety protocols. Walkthroughs ensured timely identification and resolution of potential risks, contributing to a safer environment for staff and patients. Since June 2024, no incidents were reported for Manual Handling Operations (MHO), Percutaneous Injury (PI), and Slip, Trip, Fall & Strike (STFS) incidents aspects. Our use of the HMME framework helped identify risks and enhance existing safety measures, leading to better clinical outcomes.
